ECB Invites Companies to Test Digital Euro Payment Features

The European Central Bank (ECB) is stepping up preparations for launching the digital euro by inviting companies to test new payment features. The innovation-focused call, titled 'New Wave of Digital Euro Innovation Activities', aims to develop and test prototype payment features such as e-receipts, multi-party transactions, conditional payments, and payment app tools.

The process requires private companies and organizations to collaborate with the government to explore how the digital euro can foster innovation. The ECB has launched two initiatives: an 'E-Commerce and Mobile Commerce Merchant Pilot' and a separate merchant pilot that will test a beta version of the digital euro in a controlled environment.

Selected merchants will act as business end-users for a 12-month live pilot scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027. The ECB invites online and mobile merchants operating within the euro area to integrate and test a 'beta version' of the digital euro in a controlled environment.