ECB Launches Digital Euro Pilot for E-Commerce and M-Commerce Merchants
The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched a call for e-commerce and m-commerce merchants to participate in a 12-month digital euro pilot, set to begin in the second half of 2027. The pilot will test a beta version of the digital euro in a controlled environment, with selected merchants acting as business end-users and enabling beta digital euro payments.
The call specifically targets e-commerce and m-commerce merchants operating in the euro area, who will gain first-hand experience of a simulated digital euro ecosystem. Participation is voluntary and unremunerated, with applications due by 17:00 CET on October 27, 2026. An information session was held on October 6.
The pilot builds on earlier work and moves the Eurosystem from policy debate to hands-on testing. However, the ECB stressed that no decision on issuing a digital euro will be made until EU legislation is adopted, with preparations remaining flexible.