The Eurosystem has launched a call for expression of interest inviting licensed payment service providers (PSPs) to participate in a digital euro pilot, accompanied by the publication of extensive technical, operational and procedural information. By making this information available, the Eurosystem seeks to ensure transparency to all stakeholders and provide robust support to interested PSPs, as they consider joining this opportunity to help shape the next generation of digital payments in Europe.
The pilot – announced in the context of the ECB Governing Council’s decision to move to the next phase of the digital euro project – has already attracted interest from a range of stakeholders, many of whom joined a preliminary focus session in January.
The pilot
The pilot, set to run for a duration of 12 months, will take place during the second half of 2027. It will test envisaged digital euro features within a controlled environment to validate its technical functionality, operational processes and overall user experience. The beta digital euro, used only for testing purposes, will not have legal tender status*.
The scope of the pilot will cover a limited number of use cases, including both person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-business (P2B) transactions. With the active involvement of pilot PSPs, these use cases will be offered in proximity set-up (i.e. requiring both the payer and the payee to physically initiate the transaction via near-field communication (NFC) technology), as well as in remote set-up (i.e. not requiring the payer and the payee to physically interact to complete the transaction). Transactions will be executed either online or offline according to the specific use case and whether the devices of payers and payees are connected to the internet.
The following four use cases will be validated during the digital euro pilot:
Person-to-person (P2P) use cases
I. Online P2P transactions using an alias3 or DEAN4: a payer transfers funds to a payee (both are
individual end users), initiating the transaction by entering the unique identifier of the payee in the
payment application. The transaction typically takes place remotely and can be completed when the
payer and payee are not in physical proximity. The transaction is completed when the payer’s device
is connected to the internet. Therefore, it is classified as an online payment.
II. Offline P2P transactions via NFC: a payer transfers funds to a payee (both are individual end
users), initiating the transaction by entering the amount in the payment application on the payer’s
device without the need for either device to be connected to the internet. The transaction is
completed via NFC by tapping the two devices together. Since the transaction is settled instantly
between the participating devices and does not require an internet connection, it is classified as an
offline payment.
Person-to-business (P2B) use cases
III. Online P2B transactions at a mobile-based point of sale via NFC: a payer (individual end user)
transfers funds via their payment application to a payee (business end user) as payment for goods
or services at the point of sale. The payee is equipped to accept payments via a SoftPOS5
application on their device. The transaction is initiated when the amount is entered in the SoftPOS
application, either automatically by the cashier system or manually by the payee. The transaction is
completed by tapping the devices of the payer and the payee together, allowing the transaction
details to be exchanged between the devices via NFC. Since both devices must be connected to
the internet for the transaction to be completed, it is classified as an online payment.
IV. Online P2B transactions in e-commerce or m-commerce using an alias or DEAN: a payer
(individual end user) transfers funds to a payee (business end user) as payment for goods or
services on an e-commerce or m-commerce platform. The transaction is initiated when the payer
selects the beta digital euro as the payment method on the payee’s website (e-commerce) or mobile
payment application (m-commerce). If available in m-commerce, the default payment application
The pilot will involve staff from participating Eurosystem central banks and selected merchants that provide everyday services on the premises of the ECB and euro area national central banks (e.g. cafeterias and restaurants), as well as e-commerce merchants. Staff of participating central banks will have the opportunity to make digital euro payments from person to person (both online and offline), and from person to business (both at the physical point of sale and in e-commerce, including mobile commerce).
The pilot will also help refine the digital euro design and user experience, test communication and branding, and will be conducted transparently, reflecting the Eurosystem’s commitment to a responsible and trusted introduction of a digital euro, should a decision to issue be taken in the future. The final decision on whether to issue a digital euro will only be taken once the relevant EU legislation has been adopted. The Eurosystem’s continued preparation for a digital euro will be implemented flexibly, ensuring alignment with the legislative process.
The involvement of payment service providers
The pilot exercise offers PSPs an opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the future of payments in Europe, and to engage directly with the Eurosystem’s operational and technical teams. Selected participants will gain first-hand experience of a simulated digital euro ecosystem, and their feedback will further shape its technical specifications. Participation will not be remunerated.
Once selected, PSPs must confirm their interest by signing a participation agreement with their national central bank. Selected PSPs will act as providers of pilot payment services, supporting the onboarding of pilot participants (both consumers and merchants) and contributing to the validation of core digital euro functionalities.
Applications will be assessed by the Eurosystem, based on eligibility requirements and weighted evaluation criteria covering regulatory compliance, technical and operational capabilities, market presence and delivery track record. Furthermore, the pool of selected payment service providers will need to ensure representative coverage of the Euro area market in terms of size, geographical coverage and market reach.
To support PSPs in their preparation for the call for expression of interest, the ECB has published a dedicated FAQs section where PSPs can also submit questions, and will hold an additional online focus session on 20 March 2026. This will provide an opportunity to engage directly with the Eurosystem and to ask questions.
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*The beta digital euro will be a digital means of payment issued by the Eurosystem central banks upon receipt of funds from pilot PSPs, leading to the creation of Eurosystem liabilities vis-à-vis third parties. It will be a liability (representation of value in the books of the Eurosystem) subject to the rules for cashless payment transfers applicable to pilot PSPs, individual end users and business end users. As regards the online beta digital euro exclusively, it will be considered as “scriptural money”, falling under the current definition of “funds”, under the revised Payment Services Directive (including relevant level 2 legal acts). It will not be a banknote and/or a coin, and it will not constitute an account held directly with the ECB or any other Eurosystem central bank.
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