European Central Bank invites firms to test digital euro

The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched a new phase of preparation for the digital euro, inviting fintech companies, payment service providers, merchants, and research institutions to propose solutions for upcoming testing. This initiative aims to explore how the digital currency can drive innovation through services such as artificial intelligence, automation, and interoperability.

The program is divided into two main tracks: experimentation and exploration. The experimentation phase, scheduled for the first half of 2027, focuses on transforming ideas into concrete prototypes and services. Potential applications include electronic receipts integrated into payment apps, multi-payer/multi-payee transactions, and conditional payments. The exploration phase will simultaneously investigate technological developments to enhance the digital euro's underlying infrastructure.

Applications for participation must be submitted by November 9, 2026. While these steps advance the Digital Euro Innovation Platform launched in 2024, the actual issuance of a digital euro remains dependent on future European legislation.