The ECB has selected 36 companies to test the digital euro as part of a year-long pilot project set to begin in the second half of 2027.

The participants were chosen from more than 50 financial institutions. They include both traditional banks (Deutsche Bank, UniCredit, BPCE) and digital platforms (Revolut Bank UAB, Stripe Technology, Adyen NV). ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone noted strong market interest in the initiative and the private sector’s readiness to advance CBDCs. In the project, companies will be able to act as distributors, acquirers, or perform both roles. Distributors will provide ECB staff with access to beta versions of digital euro accounts and payment services. Acquirers, in turn, will ensure acceptance of CBDC payments for businesses, including cafes, restaurants, and e-commerce companies. A full launch of the digital euro is scheduled for 2029.