The European Central Bank taps payment providers across 19 eurozone countries to test a digital euro before a potential 2027 rollout.
The European Central Bank has chosen 36 payment providers to participate in a digital euro pilot, set to begin ahead of a potential 2027 launch. Italy leads with seven firms, including UniCredit and Poste Italiane, while Germany follows with five participants. The pilot aims to create a broad testing environment across the eurozone.
The ECB said the selected providers will test user access and merchant payments, with some firms taking on dual roles. The initiative involves central banks from 19 bloc members, including France, Spain, and the Netherlands. The ECB expects deeper collaboration with private-sector firms during the trial phase.
ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone stated the participation reflects strong private-sector interest in developing the digital euro. The pilot will assess functionality before any decision on issuance, with providers able to test services beyond their home markets.