ECB calls for PSPs to participate in digital euro pilot

The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched a call for expression of interest inviting licensed payment service providers (PSPs) to participate in a digital euro pilot, marking a further step in the ECB Governing Council's decision to move to the next stage of the digital euro project. The pilot, scheduled to run for 12 months, will take place in the second half of 2027. It will test the technical functionality, operational processes and user experience of a beta version of the digital euro, which will not have legal tender status, within a controlled environment. The pilot will involve staff from 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 is intended to refine the design of a potential digital euro, noting that any final decision on issuance will only be taken after the relevant EU legislation has been adopted. The call for expression of interest is accompanied by the publication of extensive technical, operational and procedural information, as well as the launch of a new dedicated FAQs section on the ECB's webpage where PSPs can also submit questions. The ECB will hold an online focus session on 20 March where PSPs can engage directly with the Eurosystem and ask questions.

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