ECB Selects 36 Payment Providers for Digital Euro Pilot in 19 European Countries
European Central Bank to commence digital euro testing in 2027
1Major Step in Digital Euro Journey
The European Central Bank (ECB) has reached a critical phase in its digital euro project. 36 payment service providers will participate in the pilot program starting in the second half of 2027. Tests will be conducted across 19 eurozone countries and will last for 12 months.
2Strong Industry Interest
ECB's March 2026 call for applications received over 50 submissions. Selected participants include both banks and non-bank payment institutions. This diversity will ensure different business models and market dynamics are represented in the testing environment.
3Real-World Scenario Testing
The pilot will use a beta version of the digital euro currently under development by ECB. Participants will test real-use cases including peer-to-peer payments, merchant transactions, online payments, and mobile payments. However, this digital currency won't have legal tender status during the pilot.
4User-Centric Approach
Beyond technological capabilities, ECB aims to understand consumer payment habits and interactions with the digital euro. The program includes diverse user groups such as e-commerce companies, national central bank employees, and retailers.
5Pan-European Collaboration
19 countries' central banks including Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands will participate. Payment providers will work closely with ECB and national central banks to complete infrastructure preparations.
6The Future of Digital Economy
This pilot program is crucial for the future of Europe's digital payment infrastructure. Test results will inform the decision on whether to implement the digital euro widely as a complement to cash.