# European Network for Payments launched

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-network-for-payments-establishment
> Updated: 2026-09-30T13:32:02.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

The European Network for Payments (ENP) has officially launched. Headquartered in Madrid, the organization serves as an interoperability hub designed to connect various national payment systems through a common technical and operational layer based on European standards.

The launch is driven by a strategic goal to reduce Europe’s reliance on American financial infrastructure. This move follows concerns that the Trump administration could potentially restrict access to US-based payment systems. By facilitating faster and more affordable digital transactions, including instant account-to-account payments, the ENP aims to provide a domestic alternative to US giants Visa and Mastercard, which currently process nearly two-thirds of card transactions in Europe.

The network connects approximately 130 million users across 13 countries, covering over 70 percent of the population in the EU and Norway. Founding members include Italy’s Bancomat, Spain’s Bizum, Portugal’s SIBS-MB WAY, the Nordic platform Vipps MobilePay, and the European Payments Initiative (EPI) consortium, which includes major institutions such as BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, and Société Générale.

Rather than launching a new consumer application, the ENP will enable users to continue using their existing national apps. The rollout is scheduled to begin in 2027, initially focusing on peer-to-peer cross-border payments, followed by e-commerce and point-of-sale transactions.

## Claims

- The founding members serve approximately 130 million users across 13 European countries. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The initiative aims to reduce dependence on US payment infrastructure due to concerns regarding potential access restrictions by the Trump administration. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The European Network for Payments (ENP) will be headquartered in Madrid. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The network will connect existing payment systems through a common technical and operational layer based on European standards. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The rollout will begin with peer-to-peer cross-border payments, followed by e-commerce and point-of-sale transactions. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: European Network for Payments launched to challenge Visa and Mastercard

European payment providers have launched the European Network for Payments (ENP) in Madrid to create a cross-border interoperability hub, aiming to challenge Visa and Mastercard by 2027.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-network-for-payments-launched-to-rival-visa-and-mastercard

### 2026-09-28: European payment providers launch interoperability network

European payment providers are launching the European Network for Payments to boost interoperability, while a Capgemini report reveals low B2B client satisfaction despite increased banking innovation.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-payment-providers-launch-interoperability-network

### 2026-09-28: European Network for Payments launched to connect 130 million users

Five major payment platforms, including Bizum and Bancomat, have launched the European Network for Payments (ENP) in Madrid to enable cross-border digital transactions for 130 million users.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-network-for-payments-launched-to-connect-130-million-users

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Cite as: European Network for Payments launched. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-network-for-payments-establishment