ECB calls on merchants to test digital euro payments from 2027

The European Central Bank has invited e-commerce and mobile-commerce merchants across the euro area to join a 12-month digital euro pilot starting in the second half of 2027 as it works toward possible issuance of the currency in 2029. Summary The ECB has invited euro-area e-commerce and mobile-commerce merchants to join a 12-month digital euro pilot beginning in the second half of 2027. The pilot will test online, mobile, in-store and person-to-person payments using a beta currency that will not be legal tender. Merchants will participate alongside 19 euro-area national central banks and 36 banks and payment firms already selected for the testing program. The ECB is targeting possible digital euro issuance in 2029, subject to EU legislation and a separate decision by its Governing Council. Merchant incentives could be needed to support acceptance, with lower payment processing fees among the options raised by Hedera policy executive Isadora Arredondo. According to the ECB’s Sept. 15 announcement, participating merchants will test a beta version designed to resemble the proposed digital euro, covering the technology, operational processes and user experience needed to handle paymen...