Key facts
- The European Central Bank is seeking online and mobile merchants for a digital euro pilot.
- The pilot will run for 12 months and is expected to start in the second half of 2027.
- Euro-area merchants can apply until October 27.
- Selected merchants will test beta digital euro payments in remote commerce environments.
- The ECB selected 36 payment service providers in July to support the pilot.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is inviting online and mobile merchants within the euro area to apply for a 12-month pilot program for its digital euro. The application window closes on October 27, with the pilot anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2027. Selected businesses will integrate beta digital euro payments into their remote commerce checkout processes, allowing the ECB to evaluate user experience, technical functionality, and operational procedures. The beta version will closely resemble the digital euro as described in draft legislation but will not hold legal tender status. Participation is voluntary and unpaid, with merchants assessed based on market reach, operational readiness, and suitability. In July, the ECB chose 36 payment service providers from over 50 applicants to support various aspects of the pilot, including user access and merchant acceptance. Feedback from these merchants will influence future design decisions, while the final decision on issuing a digital euro will await the adoption of relevant EU legislation.