Testing Real-World Performance
This version closely resembles the digital currency outlined in proposed European legislation. However, it will not carry legal tender status during this experimental phase.
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Participation is not limited to external merchants. Staff from the Eurosystem, previously selected payment providers, and merchants offering daily services at the central bank premises will also be involved. This specific call exclusively targets online and mobile commerce actors. National central banks can launch local recruitment campaigns to include merchants in their respective territories.
Participating merchants must process transactions using the beta digital euro. They need to verify how well the new payment method integrates with their existing checkout flows.
Merchant Responsibilities and Timeline
Merchants will collect and share essential feedback regarding the customer experience, specific seller needs, and technical integration requirements. This information will help shape future design decisions for the digital currency.
The final decision to issue a digital euro will only occur after relevant European legislation is adopted. Participation in the pilot is completely voluntary and unpaid. Selected merchants must sign a participation agreement with the European Central Bank. They must also collaborate with a payment provider capable of accepting digital euro transactions on their behalf.
The pilot program is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027. It will run for a duration of 12 months. This phase follows the selection of 36 payment service providers earlier this year. Further details regarding the application process and submission addresses are available on the official European Central Bank website.
