One step closer to the reality of the digital euro

The concept of the digital euro is moving from technical discussion to the real-world testing phase. In the first quarter of 2026, calls for expressions of interest will be launched for payment service providers (PSPs) to participate in the digital euro pilot project. The Eurosystem (the European Central Bank and the national central banks of the euro area countries) is thus preparing for its possible introduction.

However, it is not only payment service providers that should be preparing, but all organizations that want to gain a competitive advantage. For businesses, the digital euro is not just a technological innovation. It is a strategic change in the payment infrastructure that can affect costs, the speed of financial flows, security, and future competitiveness.

Preparatory work and pilot activities

While the preparatory work to date has mainly involved improving technical and operational readiness and deepening cooperation with stakeholders across Europe, the new project activities aim to gain valuable practical experience. The launch of the project itself is planned for the second half of 2027, and its task is to use the data obtained to improve the functionality, usability, and technical design of the digital euro.

The information obtained will help to verify its readiness, increase its value proposition, and improve the user experience based on feedback from a real-world environment. In the coming weeks, the Eurosystem will provide more detailed information on the upcoming calls for proposals.

Content of the pilot project

What we do know at this stage is the content and course of the pilot activities. The project will involve transactions in a real environment, under controlled conditions, with a limited number of individual and corporate users who will work with a digital payment instrument issued by the Eurosystem. This instrument will contain elements of the technical design of the digital euro, but will not have its legal form.

Why companies should not ignore the digital euro

The digital euro is thus taking shape and becoming a reality. It is therefore crucial for companies not to ignore this fact, but to prepare for it responsibly. Ignoring this issue may lead to the risk of incompatibility with future market requirements, limited possibilities for integrating new payment functionalities, or late and costly adaptation of systems.

Companies that start preparing earlier will reduce future implementation costs and gain the certainty that they will be prepared for changes in payment legislation and technical standards.

Participation in the pilot project

A limited number of payment service providers will be involved in the pilot project, providing services for P2P or P2B use cases. The combination of selected PSPs will include both distributing and acquiring providers. Those interested in participating may apply as distributors, acquirers, or both.

The selection will be based on predefined criteria, including size, geographical coverage, and reach in the euro area market. Although participation in the pilot project does not imply any additional rights for PSPs vis-à-vis the Eurosystem and does not provide any financial remuneration, it represents a unique opportunity to participate in shaping digital payments in Europe and to gain valuable experience with their technical specifications.

A strategic initiative for Europe

The preparation of the digital euro clearly shows that the Eurosystem is not standing still, but is actively responding to the changing needs of the modern digital world. The digital euro is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening European competitiveness vis-à-vis global payment giants. Prepared companies will gain a head start in digital finance and access to technologies that can shape their future business.

European institutions are approaching this topic responsibly, thoughtfully, and with the ambition to take the field of finance to a higher level. Thanks to gradual testing, engaging partners across Europe, and an emphasis on user experience, we have the opportunity to keep pace with global developments while creating a solution that is safe, valuable, and beneficial for both citizens and businesses.