ECB Invites Merchants to Test Digital Euro Payments From 2027

• ECB invites euro-area merchants to test beta digital euro payments from late 2027.
• Merchants will assess checkout journeys, payment processes and customer experiences.
• Potential digital euro issuance in 2029 depends on EU legislation and ECB approval.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has invited online and mobile merchants across the euro area to participate in its digital euro pilot from 2027. The 12-month trial will test payment functionality, operational processes and customer experiences using a beta version of the proposed central bank digital currency.

ECB Opens Digital Euro Pilot to Merchants

The ECB opened its call for expressions of interest on Sept. 15, targeting merchants operating across the euro area. Selected businesses will test beta digital euro payments within controlled online and mobile-commerce environments.

The beta version will closely reflect the technical and functional design proposed for the digital euro. However, it will not have legal tender status and will only operate within the pilot.

The trial will assess payment functionality, operational processes and customer experiences. Merchants will also test checkout journeys and integration requirements while providing feedback directly to the Eurosystem.

In addition, participating businesses will work alongside selected payment service providers and national central banks. The broader pilot will involve the ECB and the 19 euro-area national central banks.

The ECB selected payment service providers for the pilot in July. Merchants joining the latest phase will therefore add an important commercial layer to the existing technical infrastructure.

The pilot is expected to run for 12 months, beginning in the second half of 2027. It will help officials identify practical issues before any potential digital euro launch.

Merchant Adoption Remains Key to Digital Euro

Merchant participation could prove important because widespread acceptance would determine how easily consumers could use the digital euro. Therefore, businesses will have an opportunity to assess whether the payment system fits existing commerce operations.

The ECB said selected merchants will provide feedback on payment journeys, integration requirements and customer experiences. That input could influence future technical specifications and user-focused design decisions.

Participation is voluntary and unpaid. Selected merchants must sign a participation agreement with the ECB and establish or modify arrangements with an acquiring pilot payment service provider.

Applications will be assessed using criteria including market reach, operational readiness and suitability for the pilot. The application deadline is 17:00 CET on October 27, 2026.

The ECB will also hold an information session on October 6 to explain the pilot and application process.

The pilot does not guarantee a digital euro launch. The ECB has stressed that issuance depends on the adoption of relevant European Union legislation and a separate Governing Council decision.

If those conditions are met, the institution is preparing for possible issuance around 2029. The merchant trial will therefore provide practical evidence as Europe continues developing its potential central bank digital currency.