Svmuu News The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced it is recruiting experts to assist in developing the rulebook for the digital euro in everyday payment scenarios, with a focus on ATMs and merchant card payment terminals.
One working group will define how ATMs and point-of-sale terminals handle digital euro payments, including device connectivity, offline transaction support, and compatibility with existing payment standards. Another working group will design the authentication processes for payment instruments and infrastructure.
ECB President Christine Lagarde stated in December last year that the bank had completed the technical and preparatory work for the digital currency and is now awaiting approval from political institutions. The project is under review by the European Council and the European Parliament. If approved, it is expected to launch as early as 2029.
Meanwhile, 12 European banks, including BBVA, ING, and BNP Paribas, have formed the Qivalis project, planning to launch a euro-pegged stablecoin in the second half of 2026. The aim is to provide a blockchain-based payment solution that does not rely on US dollar-backed tokens.