ECB Opens Applications For Online Merchants To Join 2027 Digital Euro Pilot

The European Central Bank is inviting online and mobile commerce merchants across the euro area to apply for a 12-month digital euro pilot set to begin in the second half of 2027, with applications open until October 27.

What Merchants Will Test

Selected businesses will enable beta digital euro payments within their remote checkout processes, helping the ECB evaluate user experience, technical performance and operational readiness. The beta version will closely resemble the digital euro outlined in draft legislation but will not carry legal tender status during the trial. Participation is voluntary and unpaid, with merchants assessed based on market reach, operational readiness and overall suitability.

Selected applicants will also need to establish or adjust a relationship with one of the pilot’s participating payment service providers.

Part Of A Broader Rollout Plan

The merchant call follows the ECB’s selection of 36 payment service providers in July from more than 50 applicants, including firms such as Revolut, Stripe, Deutsche Bank and UniCredit, each assigned roles supporting user access, merchant acceptance, or both. The central bank said feedback gathered from merchants during the pilot will help shape further design decisions. A final decision on whether to formally issue a digital euro will depend on the completion of related European Union legislation still under consideration.