ECB Seeks Online Merchants for Digital Euro Pilot Ahead of 2027 Testing

The European Central Bank (ECB) has opened applications for online and mobile merchants operating in the euro area to participate in the digital euro pilot. This move is part of the preparation for testing the digital euro in a real-world commercial environment, with selected businesses set to gain practical experience with beta digital euro transactions.

The pilot aims to assess how the payment system could operate in e-commerce and mobile commerce environments. Participating merchants will test digital euro payments, assess customer payment journeys, and explore how the digital euro can be integrated into existing checkout and payment processes.

The 12-month pilot is expected to begin in the second half of 2027 and will operate in a controlled payment environment designed to replicate the key characteristics and functionalities envisaged for the digital euro. Participation is voluntary and unpaid, with selected merchants entering into a participation agreement with the ECB and establishing or adapting their contractual relationship with an acquiring pilot payment service provider.