The European Central Bank (ECB) has chosen 36 banks and payment companies for a closed pilot of the digital euro. The list includes Deutsche Bank, Revolut, Stripe, UniCredit, Adyen, SumUp, and Worldline.
36 payment service providers from across the euro area have been selected for the digital euro pilot.
Starting in the second half of 2027, the 12-month exercise to test the digital euro’s features will take place at the ECB and 19 national central banks https://t.co/B88b6doEza pic.twitter.com/9MC1OJydRi
— European Central Bank (@ecb) July 14, 2026
Participants represent various countries and business models, ranging from traditional banks to fintech firms and payment infrastructure operators. The testing will begin in the second half of 2027 and last for 12 months.
Digital Euro to be Tested in Stores and Transfers
The pilot will take place at the ECB and 19 national central banks in the eurozone. Employees of the regulators will act as users, while selected online stores, restaurants, cafes, and other retail locations will accept payments.
Participants will test transfers between individuals in both online and offline modes, in-store payments, mobile payments, and online purchases. The ECB aims to assess the reliability and scalability of the system, operational processes, and user interface convenience.
Some companies will focus on distributing the CBDC: they will open test accounts and provide users access to payments through the Eurosystem app or their own services. Other participants will facilitate payment acceptance for merchants. Some organizations will perform both functions.
The pilot will use a beta version of the asset. Participants will also not be allowed to charge users fees for services related to the pilot.
“The high market interest demonstrates the private sector's readiness to actively participate in the development of the digital euro and strengthen the European payment system,” said ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone.
No Decision on Issuance Yet
The ECB aims to prepare for a potential digital euro launch in 2029, contingent on the necessary regulations being adopted in 2026.
After the legal framework is approved, a separate decision from the ECB's Governing Council will be required. The CBDC is intended to be an electronic form of central bank money, complementing cash, bank cards, and private payment services.
In June, the relevant committee of the European Parliament supported a bill on the digital euro. The document provides for online and offline payments, free basic services for users, and mandatory acceptance of the new form of money by most companies.
Earlier this year, Cipollone explained the need for creating a CBDC as a fight for Europe’s sovereignty.