European Central Bank Selects Tech Partners for Digital Euro Development
The European Central Bank has finalized its selection of technology providers for the digital euro project. On October 2, 2025, the ECB announced framework agreements with multiple companies to develop five critical components of the digital currency infrastructure. This milestone marks a significant step toward bringing Europe’s central bank digital currency closer to reality.
Digital Euro Tech Partners Named by ECB
The ECB signed framework agreements with providers across five key areas: alias lookup, risk and fraud management, app and software development kit creation, offline payment solutions, and secure exchange of payment information. Each category features first-ranked and second-ranked providers to ensure flexibility and competition.
Sapient GmbH and Tremend Software Consulting secured the top position for alias lookup services, with EquensWorldline as the second-ranked provider. This component will allow users to make payments using simplified identifiers rather than complex account numbers.
For risk and fraud management, Feedzai earned first place, followed by Capgemini Deutschland. These providers will build systems to detect suspicious transactions and protect users from financial crimes. Security remains a top priority as the ECB develops this new payment infrastructure.
Building the Digital Euro Infrastructure
Almaviva SpA and Fabrick SpA won the contract to develop the app and software development kit, with Sapient GmbH and Tremend Software Consulting serving as alternates. These tools will enable banks and payment service providers to integrate digital euro functionality into their platforms.
Giesecke+Devrient has taken the lead role in developing offline payment solutions. This feature will allow users to complete transactions without internet connectivity, mirroring the convenience of physical cash. The second-ranked provider for this component will be announced at a later date.
Senacor FCS secured first rank for secure exchange of payment information, with EquensWorldline as backup. This infrastructure will ensure that transaction data moves safely between participants in the digital euro ecosystem.
Digital Euro Innovation Platform Expands
Nearly 70 companies, banks, fintechs, and universities have collaborated since October 2024 to explore potential applications beyond replacing cash. The innovation platform divided participants into two groups: visionaries who proposed new ideas and pioneers who tested technical capabilities.
Following a public call for expressions of interest in October 2024, the ECB received over 100 applications and selected approximately 70 market participants across Europe. This diverse group brings varied perspectives on how the digital euro could transform European payments.
The collaboration has generated insights about financial inclusion and innovation potential. Participants tested various use cases to understand how a digital euro might benefit different sectors of the economy and society.
Timeline and Next Steps for Digital Euro
The ECB will decide whether to issue the digital euro only after adopting the Digital Euro Regulation. The development of the contracted components depends on the ECB Governing Council’s decision to move to the next project phase.
Framework agreements currently involve no payment and include provisions allowing scope adjustments based on legislative changes. This flexibility ensures the project can adapt to evolving regulatory requirements and policy decisions.
Service requests will initially go to first-ranked providers, with second-ranked providers contacted only when necessary. This tiered approach maintains competition while ensuring efficient project execution.
What This Means for Europe’s Payment Future
The selection of technology partners represents concrete progress in the digital euro preparation phase. These agreements establish the technical foundation to launch a central bank digital currency across the eurozone.
The digital euro aims to complement physical cash rather than replace it entirely. Europeans would gain a new payment option that combines the security of central bank money with the convenience of digital transactions.
Privacy protections and offline functionality differentiate the digital euro from private payment solutions. The ECB continues to balance innovation with the fundamental principles of public money.
Conclusion
The announcement of technology partners demonstrates the ECB’s commitment to thorough preparation. Each selected company brings specialized expertise to address different technical challenges.
As legislative processes continue, the project maintains momentum through these framework agreements. The digital euro could reshape how Europeans pay for goods and services while maintaining the stability that central bank money provides.
The coming months will reveal more details about implementation timelines and feature specifications. For now, selecting technology partners marks a tangible step toward making the digital euro operational.
