# The ECB wants merchants to help build the digital euro

> Online and mobile shops can now sign up to test a beta digital euro and shape how it works before any launch decision.
- Title: The ECB wants merchants to help build the digital euro
- Summary: Online and mobile shops can now sign up to test a beta digital euro and shape how it works before any launch decision. Merchants can join a 12-month digital…
- Keywords: digital euro, ecb, cbdc, payments, merchants, business, finance, wants, help, build, digital, euro
- Source: Pymnts — https://pymnts.com/cryptocurrency/2026/ecb-invites-merchants-to-help-shape-digital-euro
- Author: PYMNTS
- Published: 2026-09-15T20:39:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: digital euro, ecb, cbdc, payments, merchants, business, finance
## Merchants wanted for the pilot
The European Central Bank is inviting online and mobile merchants to join its digital euro pilot, announced in a press release on September 15.
## A say in the design
Merchants will work with the ECB and national central banks, try a simulated digital euro system firsthand, and give feedback that shapes its technical specs.
## A year of testing from 2027
The pilot starts in the second half of 2027 and runs for 12 months, using a beta digital euro to test functionality, operations and the user experience.
## No decision to issue yet
The ECB will only decide whether to issue a digital euro after EU legislation is adopted. Its preparations will adjust to follow that process.

> The final decision on whether to issue a digital euro will only be taken once the relevant EU legislation has been adopted.
## 36 payment providers already in
In July the ECB picked 36 banks and nonbank providers of different sizes, business models and regions from more than 50 applicants.

> We look forward to deeper engagement as we work with and learn alongside European payment service providers
## Why momentum is back
Worries about relying on Mastercard and Visa, plus White House support for stablecoins, revived a project launched in 2023 that stalled amid political debate.
## Key takeaway

Merchants can join a 12-month digital euro pilot starting in late 2027 and influence its design, but issuing the currency still depends on EU law.