ECB Launches Digital Euro Pilot for E-Commerce Merchants

The European Central Bank has invited e-commerce and mobile-commerce merchants in the euro area 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, which 'will not be legal tender,' according to CoinDesk. The ECB is targeting possible issuance in 2029, subject to EU legislation and a separate decision by its Governing Council.

A total of 13 outlets reported on the development, with some highlighting concerns about merchant incentives for participating in the pilot. The ECB has described participation as 'voluntary and unpaid,' but Isadora Arredondo, vice president of global policy at Hedera, noted that 'the more difficult part will be making the project work commercially.'

The pilot aims to test online, mobile, in-store, and peer-to-peer payments using a beta currency. The ECB is seeking feedback from participants to inform future design decisions and improve user journeys.