The Bank of Finland has signed an agreement with OP Pohjola for participation in the Eurosystem’s digital euro pilot, moving Finland’s involvement in the digital euro preparation phase into practical testing. The agreement allows OP Pohjola to join the Bank of Finland and other euro area participants in trialing how a digital euro could work within the European payments ecosystem. The pilot will test technical solutions, operational processes and user experience in a controlled environment, with a focus on how a digital euro would function in different payment situations and how it could connect to existing payment systems. Starting in the second half of 2027, selected euro area payment service providers, merchants and central bank staff will use the digital euro in everyday payment situations for 12 months. The Bank of Finland said it had worked with Finnish payment service providers during the preparation phase, while the European Central Bank made the final selection of participating providers. The update also places the pilot alongside the European Union legislative process. The European Parliament has adopted its position on the digital euro and authorized negotiations with the Council on legislation needed to establish it, while any decision to issue a digital euro can only be taken after that legislation is adopted.
Bank of Finland2026-07-14
Bank of Finland signs digital euro pilot agreement with OP Pohjola, enabling testing from the second half of 2027
The Bank of Finland and OP Pohjola have signed an agreement for OP Pohjola to join the Eurosystem’s digital euro pilot. The pilot will begin in the second half of 2027 and run for 12 months, testing technical arrangements, operating processes and user experience in everyday payment situations. Any decision to issue a digital euro remains contingent on the adoption of the necessary European Union legislation.