The European Central Bank is seeking technical experts to help design the infrastructure for a potential digital euro. The move targets how the central bank digital currency would function with ATMs, payment terminals, and certification frameworks. This initiative marks a shift toward implementation planning, with a pilot project targeted for 2027.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is seeking industry experts to contribute to workstreams focused on how a digital euro would function across ATMs and payment infrastructure. The central bank opened applications for two groups under its Rulebook Development Group.
One workstream will develop implementation specifications for ATM and terminal providers, including offline functionality. The second will create proposals for testing and certification processes for payment service providers within the digital euro ecosystem.
The initiative revolves around defining how a potential digital euro would integrate with existing payment systems and hardware. This includes support for offline transactions and interoperability with standards used across Europe.
The move signals a deeper shift from policy design toward implementation planning. The ECB is seeking input on how a digital euro would work across ATMs, payment terminals, and related infrastructure.
The ECB previously outlined plans to start selecting EU-licensed payment service providers ahead of a pilot. On Feb. 18, ECB Executive Board Member Piero Cipollone said the pilot would involve a limited number of merchants, Eurosystem staff, and PSPs.
The 12-month digital euro pilot is expected to start in the second half of 2027. While developments point toward continued progress, the ECB said a final decision on issuance will only be taken after relevant legislation is adopted.
