The European Central Bank selected two provider groups on October 30 to connect payment firms and central banks to its digital euro platform. The contracts support pilot preparation and possible future issuance; they do not decide whether a digital euro will launch.
One group pairs Nexi Payments with Deutsche Telekom Business Solutions; the other involves Telefónica businesses and Indra. The first contract began on September 28 for initial pilot needs, and the second is scheduled to start in May 2027. Both groups are expected to be ready in 2029 to support potential issuance, subject to an ECB decision.
The ECB’s pilot plan describes a limited test using a beta digital euro, with an operational phase envisaged for the second half of 2027 lasting 12 months. The ECB says preparation does not pre-empt an issuance decision, which depends on the legislative process.
