Blog
Analysis of the digital euro for the people who have to build it — grounded in the published ECB material, with sources on every article.
- Pilot
36 PSPs selected for the digital euro pilot — what it means
On 14 July 2026 the ECB selected 36 PSPs from 57 applications across 19 countries for the digital euro pilot. What it signals — and what it doesn't.
Read article - For PSPs
Digital euro — should your bank build or buy?
The digital euro is mandatory for credit institutions and free for individuals. That makes build vs buy a cost problem, not a product decision.
Read article - Identifiers
What is a DEAN? The digital euro account number
A DEAN is the digital euro's account number — 18 characters, an EU prefix, IBAN-family check digits, an indicator digit and a 13-digit serial.
Read article - Basics
Can I use my crypto wallet for the digital euro?
No — the digital euro isn't crypto and isn't on a blockchain, so a wallet like MetaMask or Ledger can't hold it. Here's how you'll actually access it.
Read article - Basics
How much digital euro will I be allowed to hold?
There will be a holding limit, but the amount isn't decided yet. Why the limit exists, and how you can still pay beyond your balance anyway.
Read article - Technology
Is the digital euro built on a blockchain?
No — settlement is centralised on the Eurosystem's DESP and you integrate over JSON REST APIs. Why a central bank doesn't need a blockchain.
Read article - Basics
Can the ECB see everything I buy with the digital euro?
Not directly — the digital euro is pseudonymised and offline payments are cash-like. What the Eurosystem can and can't see about your payments.
Read article - For PSPs
Digital euro timeline for banks — 2026, 2027, 2028
Launch is targeted around 2029, which sounds like plenty of time. It isn't. A year-by-year plan for credit institutions.
Read article - Basics
Do I have to use the digital euro?
No — individuals won't be forced to use or hold it. But banks will be obliged to offer it. What's mandatory, what's optional, and who the rules bind.
Read article - Basics
Is the digital euro a cryptocurrency?
No — the digital euro is central bank money issued by the ECB, not a crypto-asset. The real difference, and why it isn't on a blockchain at all.
Read article - Basics
Is the digital euro programmable money?
No — the ECB has said the digital euro would never be programmable money. What that means, and how it differs from a conditional payment you choose.
Read article - Liquidity
What happens if you're paid over your digital euro limit?
The payment still goes through — the excess moves to your linked bank account automatically. How waterfall and reverse waterfall actually work.
Read article - Basics
When is the digital euro coming out?
Targeted around 2029, and dependent on EU law. The real timeline — a pilot in 2027, and what's scheduled versus still conditional.
Read article - Basics
Which banks will offer the digital euro?
Ultimately every eurozone bank — credit institutions will be obliged to offer it. Where you'll get the digital euro, and who the 36 pilot PSPs are.
Read article - Basics
Will the digital euro replace cash?
No — the ECB says the digital euro will complement cash, not replace it. Why the project exists, and why offline payments are built to feel like cash.
Read article