The ECB Is Looking for Partners to Test the Digital Euro With AI Agents

• The Eurosystem is launching a new wave of initiatives within the digital euro innovation platform
• Partner applications are open until November 9, 2026.
• A dedicated track focuses on AI in payments: the ECB will explore AI agents, micropayments, and automated device-to-device payments.

The Eurosystem announced a new wave of initiatives within the digital euro innovation platform. Payment providers, fintech companies, merchants, public institutions, research institutes, and consumer associations are invited to take part. Applications are open until November 9, 2026, and the list of selected participants will be announced in January 2027.

AI as a Standalone Priority for the Digital Euro

Among all tracks, there is a dedicated block focused on artificial intelligence in payments. The ECB plans to explore AI-based payment solutions, AI agents, micropayments, automated device-to-device payments, and new features in payment apps.

Participants are expected to examine how such solutions align with the digital euro’s principles — privacy, trust, user control, and data protection. Outside the scope of this track are cybersecurity, fraud prevention, regulatory compliance, and internal operational processes.

This track will be delivered as a series of research workshops at the ECB’s premises in Frankfurt during Q1 and Q2 2027. Payment service providers, technical service providers, merchants, consumer organizations, academic institutions, and fintech companies are invited to participate.

What Will Be Tested Under the Practical Program?

In parallel, the practical testing program will validate specific features from January to June 2027. Key areas include e-receipts, which are integrated directly into a digital euro transaction and displayed in the user’s payment app.

They will also test payments with multiple payers and recipients: when several people contribute funds to a single payment, for example when splitting a bill, and when one payment is automatically distributed among multiple recipients.

A separate block covers conditional payments, meaning transactions that are executed automatically once predefined conditions are met. The ECB specifically emphasizes a fundamental distinction: the digital euro will not be “programmable money” — meaning funds with restrictions on spending purpose, timing, or the set of recipients.

The fourth track focuses on payment app features: behavioral biometrics, AI-powered tools, advanced budget management tools, and accessibility features.

Participants will also explore the use of the digital euro in the public sector — for public transport, municipal services, parking, EV charging, smart cities, and internet-connected devices.

Participation in the program is voluntary, and the Eurosystem will not pay any financial reward or compensation. Only legally registered organizations in the EU can apply — companies, associations, public authorities, and research institutions.

As a reminder, we previously reported that the ECB selected 36 companies to test the digital euro in 2027.

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