ECB Seeks Experts to Integrate Digital Euro into ATMs and POS

The European Central Bank is seeking industry experts to connect the digital euro with existing ATMs and payment terminals across the European Union.

The institution announced that it is seeking industry experts to join new working groups focused on how the central bank digital currency (CBDC) will function through existing payment channels—including ATMs, POS terminals, and retail networks.

Focus on Integration and Offline Payments

The initiative is part of the Rulebook Development Group (RDG) activities and aims to define the technical parameters for implementing the digital euro into the existing financial infrastructure. A primary priority is ensuring compatibility with current standards and the ability to perform offline transactions—a key functionality intended to bring the digital euro closer to the characteristics of physical cash.

The first working group will concentrate on technical specifications for ATM and payment terminal providers. This includes communication protocols, integration with existing systems, and the adaptation of established payment standards.

A second group will develop a framework for testing, certification, and approval of payment solutions used by payment service providers within the future digital euro ecosystem. The goal is to ensure security, interoperability, and unified requirements across the entire European Union.

Preparing for a 2027 Pilot Launch

The ECB’s move signals a clear shift toward the implementation phase as the institution seeks to build a standardized framework before any potential rollout. These working groups will provide technical recommendations to the RDG, which includes representatives from retailers, payment companies, and consumers.

Earlier, the ECB outlined plans to launch a pilot project in the second half of 2027, expected to last approximately 12 months. This phase will likely involve a limited number of merchants, Eurosystem employees, and licensed payment service providers within the EU.

Despite this progress, the ECB emphasizes that a final decision on issuing a digital euro will only be made after the adoption of the relevant legislative framework. This leaves the project dependent not only on technological readiness but also on the political process within the European Union.