Authentication without an EU Login account
Overview
EU Login allows users to authenticate using an eID (electronic ID) to access certain European Commission applications without creating a dedicated EU Login account.
However, this authentication method is not recommended for long-term use.
Important update:
Authentication via social media accounts (Google and Facebook) has been discontinued. Users who previously relied on social media authentication must now create an EU Login account to continue accessing applications.
Use of eID without an EU Login account
When a user authenticates directly with an eID without an EU Login account, EU Login automatically creates a temporary virtual account linked to that eID.
Depending on the application, this virtual account may:
- Receive access rights
- Store application-specific information
Limitations of virtual accounts
Virtual accounts are temporary and not intended for long-term or repeated use.
If a user later creates an EU Login account and links the eID to it, EU Login performs a reconciliation process:
- The eID is associated with the EU Login account
- The virtual account is permanently deleted
⚠️ Warning:
Any access rights or application-specific data that existed only in the virtual account will not be transferred to the EU Login account and may be lost.
Recommended usage
Not all European Commission applications support authentication using an eID.
For this reason, and to avoid loss of access or application-specific data, it is strongly recommended that users:
- Create an EU Login account
- Add their eID to the EU Login account: How can I add my eID to my EU Login account? - EU Login Portal
- Access Commission applications using the EU Login account
This approach ensures compatibility with all applications and prevents issues related to the use of temporary virtual accounts.