ECB Digital Euro Pilot Opens: Merchants Must Apply by October 27

The European Central Bank (ECB) has opened applications for e-commerce and mobile commerce merchants in the euro area to participate in its digital euro pilot. The pilot, which is expected to begin in the second half of 2027, will test the technical functionality, operational processes, and user experience of the digital euro through a beta version of the currency.

The ECB has partnered with payment service providers such as G+D, Nexi, and Capgemini to develop offline payment functionality for the Digital Euro Service Platform. The pilot will use a beta version of the digital euro in a controlled environment, allowing merchants to test payments and provide feedback before any decision is made on issuing the currency.

Merchants must submit their applications to the ECB by 27 October 2026. Participation in the pilot is voluntary and unpaid, and selected merchants will work with the ECB and euro area national central banks during a 12-month test.