The pilot will run for twelve months, expected to begin in the second half of 2027, testing a "beta digital euro" that is functionally and technically close to the version foreseen in draft EU legislation, though without legal tender status. Participating merchants will gain first-hand experience integrating beta digital euro transactions into their existing checkout and payment processes, interact with pilot participants, and provide feedback on merchant needs and the customer payment journey, feedback the ECB states will directly inform future design decisions.

Participation is voluntary and unremunerated, requiring selected merchants to sign a participation agreement with the ECB and establish or adapt a contractual relationship with a participating payment service provider. Applications, assessed against eligibility requirements covering market reach and operational readiness, are due by 17:00 CET on 27 October 2026, with an information session for interested merchants scheduled for 6 October. For online retailers, engagement at this stage offers early visibility into a payment infrastructure that could, depending on the outcome of the ongoing legislative process, become part of the standard checkout landscape across the euro area.

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