ECB seeks experts to define digital euro integration across payment infrastructure

The European Central Bank is looking for experts who can help define how a potential digital euro can be used across ATMs and payment terminals.

The ECB published an announcement on Wednesday, opening applications for two workstreams under its Rulebook Development Group. The first will focus on implementation specifications for ATM and terminal providers, while the other will work on certification and approval frameworks for payment solutions.

Experts joining the workstreams would contribute to how a potential digital euro would integrate across existing payment systems and technologies, including offline functionality and interoperability with standards used across Europe.

The workstreams will report to the Rulebook Development Group, which includes representatives from merchants, payment service providers and consumers.

“The draft rulebook currently being developed will be sufficiently flexible to accommodate any future adjustments and will be updated in accordance with the outcome of the digital euro legislative process. A possible decision by the ECB’s Governing Council to issue a digital euro would only be taken after the legislative act has been adopted,” the ECB said.

As previously reported by crypto.news, last year, the ECB announced providers for five components and services after a similar call for applications published in 2024.

The banking regulator had also put out invitations to tender for firms that could offer technology solutions and components around alias lookup, fraud and risk management, offline services and software development kits, among others.

While the ECB is making progress around the digital euro rollout, it has continued issuing public warnings about the risks of stablecoins, which are seen as one of the biggest competitors to any central bank digital currency.

The ECB is concerned that if euro-denominated stablecoins gain serious traction, it could weaken the effectiveness of monetary policy and reduce the funding base of traditional banks.