Over 50 applications for the digital euro pilot!

European Central Bank invited euro area payment service providers (PSPs) to join the digital euro pilot.

The response? More than 50 applied, offering diversity in terms of:
✅ size – with applications from both small and large banks
✅ country coverage across the euro area
✅ business models – with applicants including acquiring and distributing PSPs

„This mix provides a strong foundation for the pilot. We are now reviewing the applications and will announce the outcome in July.” – ECB said.

Digital euro pilot

The ECB aims to be ready for a potential first issuance of the digital euro during 2029, assuming the digital euro Regulation is adopted in 2026. To make the technical and operational preparations and lay the groundwork for a seamless and secure launch, ECB plans to run a 12‑month pilot starting in the second half of 2027.

In the pilot ECB will assess a beta version of the digital euro to validate infrastructure in real-life situations, such as making in-shop or person-to-person payments. ECB will check that the system is robust, user-friendly and scalable. The results will support the ongoing preparatory work for the potential issuance of a digital euro.

Participants will include selected payment service providers (PSPs) licensed in the euro area and selected merchants, as well as Eurosystem staff, who will test the beta digital euro in everyday situations, for example paying in a cafeteria or for other services.

The ECB will only decide whether to issue a digital euro once the Regulation has been adopted, and the Eurosystem’s preparation work will remain flexible to ensure it stays aligned with the legislative process.