ECB opens merchant applications for controlled 2027 digital euro pilot

The European Central Bank has invited EU-based e-commerce and mobile-commerce merchants to apply for a controlled pilot of the digital euro, scheduled for 2027. Applications are open until 17:00 CET on Oct. 27. The pilot aims to test payment rails and user experience under controlled conditions, without granting the digital euro legal-tender status. Participating merchants must operate in at least two euro-area countries and integrate with one of the 36 payment service providers previously selected by the ECB.