ECB Seeks Online Merchants for Digital Euro Pilot Program
The European Central Bank has launched an application process for online merchants to participate in the 2027 digital euro pilot. The pilot aims to test a beta version of the digital euro at checkout, extending the testing from payment infrastructure to merchant-facing e-commerce layers.
Businesses have until October 27, 2026, to submit applications, and selected participants will accept the beta digital euro for remote person-to-business payments. The pilot is expected to launch in the second half of 2027 and will evaluate technical functionality, operational processes, and user experience.
The ECB emphasized that no decision on issuing the digital euro has been made yet, and preparations remain flexible. Participation in the pilot does not signal an imminent rollout.