ECB Launches Digital Euro Pilot for Online Merchants

The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched a digital euro pilot for online and mobile merchants operating in the euro area. The 12-month pilot, expected to begin in the second half of 2027, will test a beta version of the digital euro in a controlled payment environment.

The ECB announced the call for expression of interest on September 15, inviting e-commerce and m-commerce merchants to participate in shaping the future of digital payments across Europe. The selected merchants will act as business end users, enabling beta digital euro payments in remote commerce environments.

The pilot is a preparation exercise rather than a commitment to launch, with the ECB framing merchant feedback as input for future design decisions. No decision on issuing a digital euro will be made until EU legislation is adopted.