Why has the European Central Bank launched a digital euro pilot?

The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched the pilot to test a beta version of the digital euro across different payment methods and user journeys.

What are merchants testing in the digital euro pilot?

The European Central Bank (ECB) will test online, mobile, in-store and peer-to-peer payments during the 12-month pilot.

How long will the European Central Bank’s digital euro pilot run?

The European Central Bank (ECB) plans to run the digital euro pilot for 12 months, starting in the second half of 2027.

What does the European Central Bank’s digital euro pilot mean for merchants?

The European Central Bank (ECB) is inviting e-commerce and mobile-commerce merchants to test payment processes and user experiences using the beta currency.

Why could the European Central Bank launch a digital euro in 2029?

The European Central Bank (ECB) is targeting a possible 2029 launch, but legislation and a separate Governing Council decision must be completed first.

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ECB seeks merchants for digital euro pilot

Written by Heidi Cuthbert Published Sep 16, 2026, 1:58 AM

The ECB has opened applications for merchants to join a 12-month digital euro pilot in 2027.
The test will cover online, mobile, in-store and peer-to-peer payments.
The ECB is preparing for a possible digital euro launch in 2029, subject to legislation.

The European Central Bank has invited e-commerce and mobile-commerce merchants to join its digital euro pilot.

The 12-month pilot is expected to begin in the second half of 2027 and will test a beta version of the digital euro.

“Many people think the digital euro’s success will depend on how governments and the public sector explain its usefulness,” said Isadora Arredondo, vice president of global policy at Hedera.

The beta currency will not have legal tender status and will test payment journeys, operational processes and user experience.

The ECB has already selected 36 payment service providers to support the pilot across the euro area.

The pilot will test online and offline payments, peer-to-peer transfers, in-store purchases and mobile-commerce transactions.

The ECB is targeting possible digital euro issuance in 2029, but the final decision depends on EU legislation and a separate Governing Council decision.