The ECB launches a new phase of work on the digital euro

The European Central Bank (ECB) has continued its work on the digital euro. Indeed, the institution launched calls for applications on Wednesday to structure its integration into ATMs and payment terminals. This step thus marks a concrete advancement in the development of the project.

The ECB launches calls for applications to oversee the development of the digital euro

The European Central Bank is opening calls for applications to recruit experts. They will participate in two working groups tasked with continuing the development of the regulation related to the digital euro.

In a press release published on Wednesday, the ECB indicates that these groups report to the Regulation Development Group, which notably brings together consumers, merchants, and payment service providers. Thus, this framework aims to integrate different stakeholders in the project.

Moreover, the regulation must establish common rules, standards, and procedures for using the digital euro in the euro area. Finally, eligible candidates can submit their application to the ECB before April 10, 2026.

Work on the digital euro targets ATMs and payment certification

According to the ECB’s press release, the work streams focus on developing the digital euro Rulebook (RDG). Thus, these efforts are organized around two groups charged with defining specific technical and operational aspects.

On the one hand, the G5 working group will focus on specifications for ATM and terminal providers. More precisely, it will review and develop regulatory proposals on the technical specifications for these devices.

Indeed, this work covers communication technologies, offline integration of the digital euro, and existing standards. Consequently, participants must have expertise in interfacing or providing ATMs and terminals.

On the other hand, the B1 working group will address the certification and approval framework. It will develop proposals on testing and certification of payment and acceptance solutions.
Moreover, it will analyze the infrastructure used by payment service providers in the digital euro ecosystem. Therefore, experts must master payment devices and acceptance systems to contribute to this work under the conditions set by the ECB.

A pilot project of the digital euro is planned by the ECB for 2027

The ECB had also planned a 12-month pilot project, starting from the second half of 2027. This test was to involve a limited number of Eurosystem actors, notably payment service providers (PSPs) authorized by the European Union.

Meanwhile, Piero Cipollone, a member of the ECB’s Executive Board, declared during the Italian Banking Association’s executive committee meeting last February that this phase was intended to assess the conditions for using the digital euro. Thus, the expected results were to guide technical and organizational adjustments.

In conclusion, the ECB has continued the development of the project by combining technical work, regulatory oversight, and test preparation. However, the ECB Governing Council’s decision to issue a digital euro remains contingent on the adoption of the European legislative framework.