ECB explores AI-driven payments for the digital euro

The European Central Bank (ECB) has opened applications for its digital euro innovation platform, seeking fintech and payment firms to develop future-ready features. The initiative is divided into two phases: building prototypes for digital receipts and conditional payments through mid-2027, followed by workshops focused on AI-driven payments and machine-to-machine transactions. This effort aims to integrate advanced technology into the digital euro, which is slated for a pilot program starting in mid-2027.