Electronic Signatures and their Specificity in National and European Regulations

Abstract

The paper aims to emphasize the particularities of the electronic signature by reference to the national as well as the European legislation, trying to point out its utility in the business environment as well as the controversies in this matter. The starting point of this analysis was Directive 1999/93/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 1999 on a Community framework for electronic signatures, which establishes the legal framework for electronic signatures and the recognition of certification-service providers. Its main aim was to ease its use and help it become legally recognized within all EU countries.