Why is the ECB testing the digital euro?

The European Central Bank is testing the digital euro to understand how it could work in everyday payments and financial services.

Who is taking part in the digital euro pilot?

The ECB selected 36 payment providers, including banks, fintech companies and payment firms across Europe.

The pilot will examine payments, online shopping and other services that could use a digital euro.

No. The ECB is still testing the project and has not made a final decision on issuing a digital euro.

The ECB said payment providers can help test practical uses and identify technical challenges before any launch.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Written by Mahathir BayenaPublished Jul 15, 2026, 12:00 AM

The European Central Bank selected 36 payment providers to test the digital euro.
The pilot will examine how the digital currency works in real-world payments.
The ECB said the testing will help shape future digital euro development.

The European Central Bank has selected 36 payment providers to test digital euro payments in a new pilot programme.

The participants include banks, fintech firms and payment companies from across Europe.

"The innovation platform will help us explore how the digital euro could support new payment solutions," the ECB said.

The pilot will test everyday payments, online shopping and other financial services using a digital euro.

The ECB said the testing will help identify practical uses while supporting privacy, security and efficiency.

The central bank has not decided whether to issue a digital euro, and the project remains in its preparation phase.

The ECB said feedback from the pilot will help guide the next stage of work before any final decision is made.