Overview

• The ECB said a second round of experiments will run next year with merchants, banks, payment providers, fintechs and researchers.
• Earlier tests with about 70 participants demonstrated conditional payments and use cases for transit and tolls that the ECB links to stronger consumer protection.
• Director Piero Cipollone said more concrete activity plans will be set out in early 2026 and described 2029 as a realistic introduction date.
• A definitive go‑ahead has not been taken as the European Commission’s 2023 legal framework proposal remains unfinished.
• EU finance ministers recently secured a formal role in the final decision and in setting holding limits for any digital euro.