This is the most tangible sign yet that Europe is moving beyond conceptual studies and entering the real implementation phase. A Single Rulebook for the Entire Euro Area The digital euro scheme rulebook aims to create one unified set of rules, standards, and procedures that all intermediaries (banks, fintechs, payment service providers) must follow. It ensures the digital euro will be accepted everywhere, just like today’s cash: online, offline, via smartphone or card, at the bakery or on an e-commerce site. To finalize this technical manual, the RDG (which includes consumers, merchants, and payment service providers) is calling on field experts through two new workstreams: 1. Workstream G5 – Implementation Specifications for ATM and Terminal Providers

Objective: Precisely define how the digital euro will work on existing ATMs and POS terminals (using NFC, QR codes, BLE, etc.). Key points: offline integration (like real cash), reuse of current standards to limit costs, compatibility with the installed base. Required expertise: interfacing with or supplying ATMs and payment terminals.

2. Workstream B1 (Renewed) – Certification and Approval Framework

Objective: Establish a system for testing and certifying all payment and acceptance solutions (terminals, apps, PSP infrastructures). Required expertise: payment and acceptance devices.

Applications (CV + optional letter of support from a current RDG member) must be sent by April 10, 2026 to: Digitaleuro-scheme-rulebook@ecb.europa.eu. Detailed mandates and calls for applications are available on the ECB website. Not Alone: A Real-World Pilot Planned for 2027 This call fits into a broader acceleration. On March 5, 2026, the ECB opened applications for payment service providers (PSPs) to join a large-scale pilot running in the second half of 2027 (12 months). Selected PSPs will test:

P2P payments (person-to-person) online and offline P2B payments (to merchants) in physical stores and e-commerce Real user experience with ECB and national central bank staff, as well as participating merchants.

Application deadline: May 14, 2026. A public information session is scheduled for March 20, 2026. The ECB Governing Council approved the move to the “next phase” in October 2025. If European legislation is adopted in 2026, the first issuance could occur in 2029. Why This Matters: A Complement to Cash, Not a Replacement The digital euro will be:

Issued directly by the ECB/Eurosystem Accessible to everyone (including the unbanked) Usable offline, like physical cash Designed to protect privacy (the ECB will not see users or individual transactions) Coexisting with banknotes, coins, and private solutions (Apple Pay, bank cards, etc.)

Integration into ATMs and POS terminals is essential: it allows citizens to withdraw or pay with digital euros without changing habits and minimizes investment costs for banks and merchants. Implications for French and European Stakeholders

Banks and PSPs: Will need to certify solutions quickly. Workstream B1 will streamline or standardize these requirements. Merchants: Existing terminals can be updated rather than replaced. Citizens: A sovereign European payment method, resilient to network outages and internet disruptions. Privacy: Strong safeguards, unlike some foreign CBDCs.

Europe Is Taking the Lead While China is massively rolling out its e-CNY and the Bahamas already have their Sand Dollar, Europe is methodically building a unique, inclusive standard aligned with democratic values. The March 18 call shows the work is no longer theoretical: interfaces you will use tomorrow at your ATM or supermarket checkout are already being designed. Industry experts (ATM manufacturers like Diebold Nixdorf, POS makers, NFC integrators) are invited to apply without delay. This is a chance to shape tomorrow’s payment infrastructure.