ECB plans 12-month digital euro pilot starting in late 2027
CIE News ·
Based on reporting by Bitcoin.com News; not yet independently confirmed.
The European Central Bank plans a 12-month internal digital euro pilot with 36 providers in late 2027, according to Bitcoin.com News.
The European Central Bank plans to launch a 12-month internal pilot for the digital euro in the second half of 2027, according to Bitcoin.com News. ECB President Christine Lagarde announced the project during a speech at the IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok on October 17, 2026. She indicated that a full rollout across the European Union could take place in 2028 or 2029.
A total of 36 payment service providers were selected to test network components, including account setup, payments, merchant acceptance, and offline transactions. Lagarde emphasized that establishing the EU regulatory framework by late 2026 is necessary before the rollout can proceed. EU lawmakers previously moved the single currency legislative package into negotiations in July 2026.
The digital euro is being developed as an electronic cash alternative to safeguard European monetary autonomy against foreign payment networks and dollar-pegged stablecoins. European Central Bank officials have argued that the widespread adoption of private stablecoins could pose systemic risks and limit central bank control over monetary policy.
Key facts
- Pilot starts second half 2027
- 12-month internal pilot
- 36 payment providers involved
- Target rollout in 2028 or 2029
Read the original at Bitcoin.com News