The European Central Bank is currently recruiting online and mobile merchants based in the euro area to join a 12-month pilot program. The initiative aims to test beta digital euro payments within remote commerce environments and evaluate their integration into existing checkout processes.
Interested businesses have until October 27 to submit their applications. The ECB will select participants based on their operational readiness, market reach, and overall suitability. Participation in the pilot is voluntary and unpaid, and selected merchants must coordinate with a payment service provider.
The pilot program is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2027. During this period, the ECB will assess technical functionality, user experience, and operational workflows. The beta version of the currency will not hold legal tender status during the testing phase.
In July, the ECB already selected 36 payment service providers from a pool of over 50 applicants to support the project. This group includes major financial institutions and platforms such as Revolut, Stripe, Deutsche Bank, and UniCredit. Feedback from merchants will influence future design decisions.
A definitive decision regarding the official issuance of a digital euro remains pending. The ECB stated that any final move will only occur after the relevant European Union legislation is officially adopted.
