ECB Seeks Experts for Digital Euro Implementation

The European Central Bank (ECB) is actively seeking industry experts to contribute to the development of a digital euro, focusing on its integration with ATMs, payment terminals, and acceptance infrastructure. According to Cointelegraph, the ECB announced on Wednesday that it is accepting applications for two workstreams under its Rulebook Development Group (RDG). These workstreams will address implementation specifications for ATM and terminal providers, as well as certification and approval frameworks for payment solutions. The initiative aims to define how a potential digital euro would integrate with existing payment systems and hardware, ensuring support for offline transactions and interoperability with European standards. This move marks a shift from policy design to implementation planning, as the ECB seeks input on how a digital euro would function across various infrastructures, including offline use and adherence to current technical standards. One workstream will focus on developing implementation specifications for ATM and terminal providers, covering communication technologies, offline functionality, and the reuse of existing payment standards. The second workstream will propose testing, certification, and approval processes for payment solutions and infrastructure within the digital euro ecosystem. These workstreams will report to the RDG, which includes representatives from merchants, payment service providers, and consumers. The ECB expects selected experts to provide technical input to support the development of a standardized rulebook. The ECB has previously outlined plans to select European Union-licensed payment service providers (PSPs) ahead of a 12-month digital euro pilot, anticipated to begin in the second half of 2027. On February 18, ECB Executive Board Member Piero Cipollone stated that the pilot would involve a limited number of merchants, Eurosystem staff, and PSPs. While these developments indicate progress toward a digital euro, the ECB has clarified that a final decision on its issuance will only be made after the relevant legislation is adopted.