ECB Invites Experts to Design ATM Integration

• Workstream G5 sets technical specifications for ATMs and payment terminals.
• Workstream B1 focuses on building the rules for certifying digital euro payment solutions.
• The European Central Bank is targeting a digital euro pilot phase around mid-2027.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has taken another step toward launching its long-awaited digital euro, as it’s now inviting outside experts to join technical teams under its Rulebook Development Group (RDG). 

The ECB’s March 18 call for experts focuses on two main areas.

The first one is “Workstream G5,” which sets technical specifications for how ATMs and payment terminals will handle the digital euro. This includes communication technology, offline support, and building on what already exists. It’s noted that real-world experience for working with or supplying these systems is needed for participation.

The second area is “Workstream B1,” which focuses on building the rules for certifying digital euro payment solutions, including acceptance systems and PSP infrastructure in the digital euro ecosystem. As with the first workstream, applicants will need to have good experience in this area as well to qualify. 

These workstreams will help develop the rulebook, basically the official playbook for how the digital euro will work across Europe.

The focus on ATMs, terminals, and interoperability shows the ECB wants the digital euro to fit into the current setup, rather than replacing it. Also, unlike most digital payments, the ECB is pushing for offline use as well.

Candidates have up to April 10, 2026, to send in their applications with their CVs.

Related: 68 Economists Warn EU Will Lose Control of Money Without Digital Euro

Digital Euro Pilot Phase

This is all part of pushing the digital euro toward real use. Recent reports suggest the ECB is targeting a digital euro pilot phase around mid-2027, with banks, stores, and payment firms testing how it actually works at scale.

Policy-wise, things are moving too. The European Parliament backed the digital euro framework in February, supporting the ECB’s goal of a currency that works online and offline, while giving Europe more financial independence.

At the same time, ECB officials keep warning that private stablecoins could threaten Europe’s monetary sovereignty, a big reason it’s pushing the digital euro forward.

However, the digital euro initiative is not without controversy. European banks have raised concerns about implementation costs (estimated between €4 billion and €6 billion) and what it might mean for their traditional deposit business.

Related: Digital Euro Moves to ‘Technical Readiness’ Phase, 2027 Pilot Planned