European Central Bank (ECB) is inviting industry experts to help shape how a future digital euro would operate across ATMs, payment terminals, and broader payment infrastructure.
In a Wednesday announcement, the ECB opened applications for two new workstreams under its Rulebook Development Group (RDG). These groups will focus on technical standards for ATM and terminal integration, as well as certification and approval frameworks for digital euro payment solutions.
The initiative aims to define how the central bank digital currency would work within existing systems, including compatibility with current payment standards, support for offline transactions, and seamless integration with infrastructure already used across Europe.
This marks a shift from high-level policy discussions to practical implementation planning, as the ECB gathers input on how the digital euro could function in real-world environments.
Focus on infrastructure and certification
One workstream will develop technical specifications for ATM and payment terminal providers, covering areas such as communication protocols, offline capabilities, and reuse of existing standards.
The second will focus on designing testing, certification, and approval processes for payment solutions used by service providers within the digital euro ecosystem.
Both groups will report to the RDG, which includes representatives from merchants, payment providers, and consumers, and will contribute to building a standardized rulebook.
Pilot planned for 2027
The ECB has previously indicated plans to begin selecting EU-licensed payment service providers ahead of a 12-month pilot expected to launch in the second half of 2027.
Earlier this year, ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone said the pilot would involve a limited group of merchants, Eurosystem staff, and payment service providers.
While the developments point toward continued progress on a digital euro, the ECB said a final decision on whether to issue it will only be taken after the relevant legislation is adopted.
