By 2027, the ECB will complete testing of the digital euro

The European Central Bank has unveiled a detailed plan for developing its digital currency program, outlining key milestones for the coming years. At the same time, other important aspects of the project implementation, including administrative succession issues, are beginning to be discussed.

Funding and Implementation Timeline

The development of digital euro will require an investment of €1.3 billion. The ECB plans to conduct comprehensive pilot testing of the payment system, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027. This milestone will mark the transition to the next phase of the project, with a potential launch for widespread use targeted for 2029.

This substantial budget reflects the seriousness of the European financial regulator’s intentions to modernize the region’s payment infrastructure. Direct investments in development emphasize the priority of creating a national digital payment ecosystem.

Engaging Payment Operators in 2026

A critical step in executing the plan will be engaging payment providers, scheduled for early 2026. This signals an acceleration in the project’s development pace and prepares the market for upcoming changes.

Inviting payment system operators will allow the ECB to gain practical insights and establish cooperation with key players in the financial sector. This decision helps build a solid foundation for further development of technical and organizational infrastructure.

Strategic Importance and Leadership Succession

The implementation of the digital euro program takes on strategic significance amid discussions of potential leadership changes at the ECB. Stability and continuity in project management remain key factors for ensuring consistent policy and effective communication with all stakeholders.

The ECB has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to developing the digital euro, which suggests that the plan will be executed in a coordinated manner regardless of organizational transformations. The project’s success by 2027 will demonstrate Europe’s readiness to adapt to global digitalization trends in the financial sector.