TITLE: European Central Bank Selects 36 Payment Service Providers for Digital Euro Pilot
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On July 14, 2026, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced the selection of 36 payment service providers (PSP) from across the euro area to participate in a digital euro pilot programme. The pilot will test the digital euro's technical functionality, operational processes, and user experience to support preparatory work for the potential issuance of a digital euro. The pilot is scheduled to commence during the second half of 2027 and will run for 12 months.
Following a call for expression of interest in March 2026, the Eurosystem received more than 50 applications from PSPs, demonstrating strong market engagement. The selected participants—including banks and non-bank service providers—span diverse business models and sizes with broad geographical coverage across the euro area. The ECB evaluated applicants against pre-defined eligibility criteria to ensure a representative testing environment. The pilot will use a beta version of the digital euro that is functionally and technically aligned with draft legislation but will not carry legal tender status. Selected PSPs will operate in two roles: distributing PSPs will provide Eurosystem staff access to beta digital euro services including account setup and payments, while acquiring PSPs will serve selected merchants and enable them to receive beta digital euro payments. Some providers will perform both roles. The pilot will operate across the ECB and 19 national central banks in Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Finland. Participants will include ECB and national central bank staff, e-commerce merchants, and everyday service merchants such as cafeterias and restaurants. Staff will conduct beta digital euro transactions both person-to-person (online and offline) and person-to-business (at physical points of sale and via e-commerce).
Selected PSPs will now collaborate with their respective national central banks and the ECB to prepare for the pilot exercise. Progress updates will be regularly published on the ECB's dedicated digital euro pilot webpage.