- The European Central Bank (ECB) is seeking industry experts to define how a potential digital euro would work with existing payment hardware like ATMs and terminals.
- Two specific workstreams will focus on integration specifications for infrastructure providers and the creation of testing and certification frameworks.
- The ECB is moving toward a 12-month pilot program scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027, pending final legislative approval.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is actively recruiting industry specialists, as it opened applications this week, to architect the practical integration of the proposed digital euro across Europe‘s financial infrastructure. Consequently, this marks a pivotal shift from high-level policy design to concrete implementation planning for the central bank digital currency (CBDC). The initiative specifically aims to define how the currency would function with ATMs, payment terminals, and existing acceptance networks throughout the European Union.
However, the bank is not building a system from scratch but focusing on interoperability. One dedicated workstream will therefore develop technical specifications for ATM and terminal providers, covering communication technologies and crucial offline functionality. Meanwhile, a second group will craft proposals for the testing, certification, and approval of all payment solutions within the digital euro ecosystem.
The technical workstreams will report to the Rulebook Development Group (RDG), which includes diverse stakeholders. Selected experts are expected to provide input to support the creation of a standardized rulebook governing the digital currency’s use. This detailed groundwork supports the ECB’s previously stated goal of launching a targeted pilot.
Consequently, the ECB plans to select licensed payment service providers ahead of a 12-month pilot expected in late 2027. On Feb. 18, ECB Executive Board Member Piero Cipollone said the pilot would involve a limited number of merchants, Eurosystem staff, and providers. A final decision on issuing the digital euro, however, will only follow the adoption of the relevant European legislation.
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