The European Central Bank has opened applications for euro-area online and mobile merchants to join its digital euro pilot. The September 15 invitation sets an October 27 deadline.
What participants will use
The trial will test a beta version designed to resemble the proposed digital euro technically and functionally. It will not have legal tender status. Selected staff, payment providers and merchants will test payments in a controlled environment.
The pilot is expected to start in the second half of 2027 and run for 12 months. Merchants will assess checkout integration and user experience.
What the invitation does not decide
Recruiting merchants is a preparation step, not a decision to issue a digital euro. The ECB says that decision can only follow adoption of the relevant EU legislation.
Participation is voluntary and unpaid. Selected merchants will need an agreement with the ECB and an appropriate relationship with a participating acquiring payment provider. The immediate opportunity is to test payment acceptance before any public launch decision.