AI · CryptoSlate
ECB opens merchant applications for controlled 2027 digital euro pilot
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 1 source. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
◌ Single Source
The European Central Bank has opened applications for online merchants to join a controlled pilot of the digital euro, its proposed retail central bank digital currency.
Key facts
- The Sept. 15 merchant call gives EU-established e-commerce and mobile-commerce businesses until 17:00 CET on Oct. 27 to apply
- The pilot's 12-month operational phase is expected to begin in the second half of 2027
- The European Parliament authorized negotiations on the proposed legal framework in July, and the legislation remained under discussion when the merchant call opened
- Also known as "Akiba," Liam Wright is a reporter, podcast producer, and Editor-in-Chief at CryptoSlate
Summary
01 ECB opened applications for merchants to test digital euro checkout in a controlled 2027 pilot. 02 The pilot connects merchants with 36 payment providers to test real online payment flows. 03 The beta is not legal tender; issuance still needs legislation and a separate ECB decision. The Sept. 15 merchant call gives EU-established e-commerce and mobile-commerce businesses until 17:00 CET on Oct. 27 to apply.