Call for payment service providers to participate in digital euro pilot now open
5 March 2026
The Eurosystem has launched a call for expression of interest inviting licensed payment service providers (PSPs) to participate in a digital euro pilot, accompanied by the publication of extensive technical, operational and procedural information. By making this information available, the Eurosystem seeks to ensure transparency to all stakeholders and provide robust support to interested PSPs, as they consider joining this opportunity to help shape the next generation of digital payments in Europe.
The pilot – announced in the context of the ECB Governing Council’s decision to move to the next phase of the digital euro project – has already attracted interest from a range of stakeholders, many of whom joined a preliminary focus session in January.
The pilot
The pilot, set to run for a duration of 12 months, will take place during the second half of 2027. It will test envisaged digital euro features within a controlled environment to validate its technical functionality, operational processes and overall user experience. The beta digital euro, used only for testing purposes, will not have legal tender status.
The pilot will involve staff from participating Eurosystem central banks and selected merchants that provide everyday services on the premises of the ECB and euro area national central banks (e.g. cafeterias and restaurants), as well as e-commerce merchants. Staff of participating central banks will have the opportunity to make digital euro payments from person to person (both online and offline), and from person to business (both at the physical point of sale and in e-commerce, including mobile commerce).
The pilot will also help refine the digital euro design and user experience, test communication and branding, and will be conducted transparently, reflecting the Eurosystem’s commitment to a responsible and trusted introduction of a digital euro, should a decision to issue be taken in the future. The final decision on whether to issue a digital euro will only be taken once the relevant EU legislation has been adopted. The Eurosystem’s continued preparation for a digital euro will be implemented flexibly, ensuring alignment with the legislative process.
The involvement of payment service providers
The pilot exercise offers PSPs an opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the future of payments in Europe, and to engage directly with the Eurosystem’s operational and technical teams. Selected participants will gain first-hand experience of a simulated digital euro ecosystem, and their feedback will further shape its technical specifications. Participation will not be remunerated.
Once selected, PSPs must confirm their interest by signing a participation agreement with their national central bank. Selected PSPs will act as providers of pilot payment services, supporting the onboarding of pilot participants (both consumers and merchants) and contributing to the validation of core digital euro functionalities.
Applications will be assessed by the Eurosystem, based on eligibility requirements and weighted evaluation criteria covering regulatory compliance, technical and operational capabilities, market presence and delivery track record. Furthermore, the pool of selected payment service providers will need to ensure representative coverage of the Euro area market in terms of size, geographical coverage and market reach.
To support PSPs in their preparation for the call for expression of interest, the ECB has published a dedicated FAQs section where PSPs can also submit questions, and will hold an additional online focus session on 20 March 2026. This will provide an opportunity to engage directly with the Eurosystem and to ask questions.
Interested PSPs are invited to complete and submit an application to digitaleuro-Pilot@ecb.europa.eu by 17:00 CEST on 14 May 2026 .