ECB Selects 36 Payment Providers for Digital Euro Pilot Across 19 Countries

The European Central Bank chose 36 payment service providers from more than 50 applicants to participate in a 12-month digital euro pilot starting in the second half of 2027, covering person-to-person and point-of-sale payments across 19 euro area countries with institutions including Deutsche Bank, Revolut, and Stripe.

Sources:European Central Bank →·European Central Bank (Pilot Page) →·Euronews →·Il Sole 24 ORE →

The ECB on July 14 selected 36 payment service providers to join its digital euro pilot program. The group includes Deutsche Bank, UniCredit, Revolut, Stripe, Adyen, and Nexi among participants from 19 euro area countries. Over 50 PSPs applied following a March 2026 call for expressions of interest.

The pilot will run for 12 months starting in the second half of 2027. Testing will cover person-to-person payments, point-of-sale transactions, and e-commerce flows in online and offline environments. Participants will use a beta version of the digital euro that replicates the features described in draft EU legislation but will not carry legal tender status.

ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone said the strong market interest demonstrates the private sector's readiness to advance the digital euro project. A public launch could follow as early as 2029 pending EU legislative approval.

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