The European Central Bank has invited specialist organizations to assess preliminary standards for deploying offline digital euro functionality through embedded Secure Elements and embedded SIMs in smartphones. The exercise will examine the standards’ maturity, industry support and potential implementation constraints as the ECB develops infrastructure for a digital euro pilot planned for the second half of 2027. The invitation targets secure hardware issuers and manufacturers, mobile network operators, virtual network operators and standards development organizations. The ECB will use their input to refine and update the preliminary standards list, with selected participants providing feedback through written responses, virtual technical exchanges or both. Interested organizations must apply by September 25, 2026. The ECB will review the submissions and contact selected participants with further information.
2026-08-18European Central Bank
European Central Bank seeks industry input on secure hardware standards for offline digital euro
The European Central Bank is seeking specialist input on secure hardware standards for offline digital euro functionality in smartphones. Feedback will inform preparations for a pilot in the second half of 2027, and interested organizations must apply by September 25, 2026.