European Central Bank calls for merchants to participate in digital euro pilot
The 12-month test will put a beta version of the central bank currency through online, mobile, in-store and peer-to-peer payments.
Source: CoinDesk
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DW NOTE
The ECB is recruiting merchants for a 12-month trial starting mid-2027, testing a beta currency ahead of possible 2029 launch. The pilot's purpose is framed as countering dollar-backed stablecoins, but the real test is whether anyone will use it. A CBDC needs merchant acceptance to function — which means convincing businesses to integrate a payments rail that offers them nothing the euro system doesn't already provide, in an environment where dollar reserves just hit 57% of global FX holdings and consumers already have functional digital payment options.