The European Union is moving toward a revolution in its digital payments system with the entry into a new phase of advanced testing of the digital euro.
The European Central Bank (ECB) has revealed in a recent report the first results of the digital euro innovation platform and announced the start of a second round of experimentation to delve deeper into technologies and services that could transform the European financial landscape.
According to the entity, the digital euro not only seeks to modernize the common currency with a secure and efficient digital infrastructure, but also to incorporate features that make it easier to use by groups that have traditionally been excluded or have difficulties in digital interaction, such as people with disabilities or areas with lower technological literacy.
In this sense, the ECB will experience the voice payments, which are presented as a central feature to promote financial inclusion and improve the user experience. This strategic solution will complement the integration of public blockchain technologies which the ECB is also carefully evaluating to support this currency, as Ethereum y Solana.
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One of the highlights of the report presented by the ECB is the experimentation with payments using voice commands, which will allow users to operate with the digital euro without the need for screens or touch devicesThis multilingual technology will facilitate operations such as balance inquiries, bill payments, and PIN or biometric authorizations, adapting to the linguistic and cultural diversity of the eurozone.
According to the statement, these systems are designed to overcome technological barriers faced by millions of Europeans, including people with visual or hearing disabilities, or those with low digital literacyl. The ECB notes that this modality mimics the cash experience, characterized by its simplicity and accessibility, but with the security and traceability guarantees of a digital and regulated system.
“The digital euro interface could incorporate features that ensure accessibility and ease of use, such as voice-controlled transactions, large-print screens, and guided onboarding processes”, the ECB said in the statement.
Overall, this is a step forward that seeks to democratize access to digital currency, raising the level of inclusion by allowing intuitive and accessible use for all population segments.
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The first cycle of the digital euro innovation platform, launched in October 2024, brought together almost seventy participants, including banks, fintechs, merchants, startups, and academics, who explored potential applications and improvements for this new digital currency. These actors were divided into two groups: the “visionaries”, responsible for imagining long-term possibilities, and the “pioneers”, which focused on technical testing, directing the evolution of the project.
Among the most promising innovations are conditional payments, which allow a transfer to be made only when certain predefined conditions are met. For example, in e-commerce or everyday applications, conditional payments with the digital euro could release funds to the seller only after the buyer confirms delivery of the item, ensuring greater consumer protection. They could also automate insurance reimbursements and streamline processes in the event of delayed services, and even adapt optimized pricing systems for public transport or shared mobility.
Additionally, the integration of encrypted electronic receipts within the digital ecosystem was evaluated, offering users secure and structured access to their purchase records. This solution can simplify procedures such as returns, warranties, expense reports, or personal budgets, while simultaneously would reduce the massive use of paper, contributing to a favorable environmental impact.
The report also highlights the potential for creating personalized digital wallets that promote financial literacy among children and young people, as well as providing specific benefits for students through dedicated apps. To ensure usability, the digital euro interface could include accessible features such as guided navigation, large fonts, and, of course, voice control.
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Europe moves towards a new era of digital payments
The success of the first stage has led the ECB to announce a second round of experimentation to begin in 2026, with the aim of maximizing the innovative potential of the digital euro. This phase will expand collaboration with market participants and developers, seeking to consolidate harmonized standards and a shared infrastructure that guarantees scalability, reliability, and ease of use across the eurozone.
The project not only aims to improve the experience of consumers and merchants, but also to encourage the emergence of new services and business models that take advantage of the technical capabilities of the digital euro. The possibility of implementing conditional payments and advanced functionalities opens the door to a more dynamic ecosystem adapted to the current needs of the European economy.
During the report's presentation at Bocconi University in Milan, Piero Cipollone, member of the ECB's Executive Board, underscored the positive response from participants, highlighting the significant scope for the digital euro to play a transformative role in the European payments system. By offering a harmonized and open infrastructure, the ECB seeks to maintain a balance that allows for innovation without sacrificing cohesion and interoperability across countries and systems.
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The advanced phase of the digital euro also includes essential aspects in terms of regulation, privacy and data protectionThe European Parliament is reviewing the legislative framework that will govern digital currency, seeking to ensure a level of anonymity comparable to that of cash, especially for offline transactions.
As part of this strategy, service providers only access personal data if strictly necessary to comply with legal obligations, always with the user's express consent. This policy distinguishes the digital euro from other payment methods where customer information is often exploited for commercial purposes, reflecting a focus on transparency and trust.
Ethereum and Solana in the ECB's sights for the digital euro
In parallel, the ECB is investigating which blockchain technology will be the technical basis for the digital currency. Among the options Ethereum and Solana stand outBoth offer robust security and decentralization features, but differ in speed and scalability. The final decision will seek to ensure that the digital euro has an infrastructure capable of processing a high volume of daily transactions securely and efficiently, essential requirements for its mass acceptance.
A digital currency for Europe
The digital euro thus enters one of its defining moments, combining technological advances with a clear commitment to inclusion and regulatory compliance. Voice payments are just one example of how this currency seeks to overcome current limitations and connect with a broader audience, reducing barriers and providing new forms of interaction.
As experimentation and dialogue with various stakeholders continue, the ECB confirms an approach that prioritizes both innovation and security, with an eye toward a future where the digital euro is an accessible, reliable instrument poised to lead the European financial ecosystem in the coming decades.
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