Payment Market: ECB seeks online retailers for digital euro pilot project

The European Central Bank (ECB) is advancing its digital euro project, now in a decisive phase as EU institutions begin trilogue negotiations on its fee model. The ECB is recruiting euro-area online and mobile merchants for a pilot starting in the second half of 2027, lasting twelve months, to test a beta version in realistic checkout scenarios. Applications close on October 27, 2026, with participation voluntary and unpaid. The core dispute involves merchant fees during a transition period, with Ecommerce Europe advocating for a simpler, predictable model and support for business-to-business payments. Selected merchants will be evaluated on market reach, operational readiness, and technical suitability, following the earlier selection of 36 payment service providers. The pilot's findings will inform technical development, but a final issuance decision awaits EU legislation, with technical readiness targeted by 2029.