ECB seeks online merchants for 2027 digital euro pilot

The European Central Bank is looking for online and mobile merchants in the euro area to join a 12month digital euro pilot expected to start in the second half of 2027. Businesses can apply until Oct. 27 to test beta digital euro payments in remote commerce settings and help the ECB study how the currency could work at checkout. The central bank said the pilot will evaluate user experience, technical performance and operational processes, and that the beta version will not yet be legal tender. Participation will be voluntary and unpaid. The ECB will assess applicants based on market reach, operational readiness and suitability, and selected merchants will need to work with a participating payment service provider. Merchant feedback will help shape design decisions, while any final decision on issuing a digital euro will depend on EU legislation.