The European Central Bank said it is seeking online and mobile merchants across the euro area to take part in a 12-month digital euro pilot projected to start in the second half of 2027. Applications from e-commerce and mobile-commerce businesses will remain open until Oct. 27.
Selected merchants would test beta digital euro payments in remote commerce settings, helping the ECB evaluate how the currency could be integrated into existing checkout flows. The pilot will assess user experience, technical functionality and operational processes.
The ECB said the beta version will closely reflect the currency as outlined in the draft EU legislation but will not carry legal tender status. Participation is voluntary and unpaid. Applicants will be judged on their market reach, operational readiness and overall suitability. Those selected must also establish or adapt a relationship with a participating payment service provider.
In July, the ECB chose 36 payment service providers from more than 50 applicants. The group includes Revolut, Stripe, Deutsche Bank and UniCredit. Participants have been assigned to support either user access, merchant acceptance or both.
The bank said merchant feedback from the pilot will inform future design decisions. A final decision on whether to issue a digital euro will be taken only after the relevant EU legislation is adopted.
