ECB selects 36 payment service providers for digital euro pilot

The European Central Bank (ECB) has selected 36 payment service providers (PSPs) from across the euro area to participate in the digital euro pilot. The pilot aims to test the digital euro’s technical functionality, operational processes, and user experience.

The pilot is scheduled to start in the second half of 2027 and will last for 12 months. It will involve the ECB and 19 national central banks across the euro area, including countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and others. Selected PSPs include banks and non-bank service providers with diverse business models and geographical coverage.

Following a call for interest in March 2026, the Eurosystem received over 50 applications. Applicants were evaluated based on predefined eligibility criteria. The selected providers will offer services such as account setup, payments, and merchant acceptance, with some playing dual roles as distributing and acquiring PSPs.

The pilot will use a beta version of the digital euro, which will be functionally and technically close to the draft legislation but will not have legal tender status. Participants will include ECB and central bank staff, e-commerce merchants, and everyday service merchants like restaurants and cafes.

Participants will be able to make person-to-person payments online and offline, as well as person-to-business payments at physical points of sale and via e-commerce. The pilot will also help refine the digital euro’s design and user experience. Progress updates will be published on the ECB’s dedicated digital euro pilot webpage.

Next steps involve collaboration between selected PSPs, national central banks, and the ECB to prepare for the pilot exercise.