The European Central Bank (ECB) has opened applications for e-commerce and mobile commerce merchants in the euro area to participate in its digital euro pilot. Eurosystem announced the call on 15 September 2026, following the earlier selection of payment service providers that will take part in the pilot.
Selected merchants will work with the ECB and euro area national central banks during a 12-month test expected to begin in the second half of 2027. The pilot will use a beta version of the digital euro in a controlled environment, allowing merchants to test payments and provide feedback before any decision is made on issuing the currency.
Merchants To Test Digital Euro Payments
The pilot will test the technical functionality, operational processes and user experience of the digital euro through a beta version of the currency. The ECB said the beta version will closely resemble the digital euro outlined in draft legislation, although it will not have legal tender status. The controlled environment will allow participants to test how the proposed currency works in everyday payment scenarios.
The latest call specifically targets e-commerce and mobile commerce merchants. National central banks may also recruit additional local merchants through separate calls. Participating merchants will enable beta digital euro payments for remote purchases and test how the currency works within existing checkout and payment processes. The ECB said feedback from merchants, payment service providers and the Eurosystem will help inform the continued development of the digital euro, including its payment experience and operational processes.
The merchant test follows the ECB’s broader preparations for a potential digital euro rollout. In late 2025, the central bank targeted a 2027 pilot launch as it continued work on the project alongside the EU legislative process. The ECB has also moved forward with the technology needed for the proposed currency. It partnered with G+D, Nexi and Capgemini to develop offline payment functionality for the Digital Euro Service Platform.
Investor Takeaway
The ECB will trial a legally powerless but technically faithful beta version of the digital euro, using merchant feedback to refine its specifications before any issuance decision.
Application Deadline Set For October
Selected merchants will sign an agreement with the ECB and establish or adapt their relationship with an acquiring payment service provider participating in the pilot. Participation in the pilot is voluntary and unpaid. The ECB will assess applications against eligibility requirements and weighted criteria covering factors such as market reach, operational readiness and the merchant’s ability to support the pilot.
The central bank will hold an information session on 6 October 2026 to explain the pilot and application process. Applicants can also submit written questions through a dedicated form before the application deadline. Merchants must submit their applications to the ECB by 27 October 2026.
The application process comes as the ECB continues developing the technical framework for the proposed currency. The central bank previously said it was preparing to publish technical standards for the digital euro, with private intermediaries expected to handle customer-facing wallets while the Eurosystem provides the underlying settlement infrastructure. The final decision on whether to issue a digital euro will depend on the adoption of the relevant EU legislation. The ECB said its preparations will remain aligned with the legislative process.
Investor Takeaway
Participation is unpaid and competitive, requiring merchants to sign an agreement with the ECB and link up with an acquiring PSP, with applications due by 27 October 2026.