ECB unveils accessibility standards for digital euro app

The European Central Bank (ECB) announced that the forthcoming digital euro mobile application will be built to the highest accessibility standards, surpassing the European Accessibility Act and the EN 301 549 technical norm. Features will include full keyboard navigation, screen‑reader support, simplified language, error‑prevention tools, visual‑design enhancements and reduced‑motion settings. The design was developed with consumer organisations, accessibility experts and national central banks, and will be tested with members of Spain’s ONCE Foundation and ECB staff during a 12‑month pilot that begins in the second half of 2027 with 36 payment‑service providers.

ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone said the digital euro, like cash, is a public good and must be accessible to every European. The ECB also outlined the broader rollout plan: a digital euro wallet on smartphones is expected to be available by 2029, complementing cash rather than replacing it, with pilots and regulatory discussions on privacy, security and usage limits ongoing.

The initiative aims to boost confidence in the digital euro, promote financial inclusion for people with disabilities, and ensure the new payment option integrates smoothly with existing banking apps across the euro area.