Pioneering European payments sovereignty

Strengthening Europe’s digital and financial sovereignty

The digital euro, along with initiatives like EPI and Wero, represents Europe’s strategic push for autonomy. By developing homegrown solutions, Europe can reduce its dependency, safeguard its financial infrastructure against external shocks and ensure continuity of payments, even in times of crisis or network outages. Thibault Pele: “A simple example will clarify the need to become less dependent from non-European solutions. When we look at events like the Olympic Games in France, where there was an exclusive sponsor and only those specific cards were accepted, it becomes clear how much we rely on non-European networks. What happens if those networks become unavailable or subject to sanctions?”

Pele adds: “With the digital euro, we’re not just building another payment rail. We’re laying the foundation for a future where European citizens and businesses have true control over their data and their money. It’s about sovereignty, resilience, and financial inclusion.”

Worldline at the heart of the digital euro development

Recently the European Central Bank (ECB) announced the results of its tender for the digital euro preparation phase. The ECB’s selection process for five digital euro components and related services marks a turning point in the evolution of European payments. Worldline is amongst the selected companies and is the only company to have signed framework agreements for three critical components: alias lookup to preserve privacy of the consumers, secure exchange of payment information ensuring safe and reliable data transmission and offline solutions that facilitate payments without internet connectivity. Sheri Brandon: “being selected by the ECB highlights our expertise and commitment to a resilient, user-centric digital ecosystem, placing Worldline at the heart of the digital euro development.

Continuity of payments and the role of digital euro

Cash remains an essential part of Europe’s financial infrastructure, but systems can’t always handle large-scale cash demands in times of emergency. The digital euro complements cash, ensuring that payments can continue even when access to physical money or network infrastructure is disrupted.

As Sheri Brandon explains: “The ECB has been clear: everyone should keep around 100 euros in cash for emergencies. But we also need to recognise that, in a real crisis, the system can’t handle every citizen requesting cash at the same time. The digital euro is designed to ensure continuity of payments when traditional systems are under pressure. It is digital cash, a secure, resilient complement to the bank notes in your pocket.”

Financial inclusion for all Europeans

Certain regions of Europe, such as rural areas in the south of Europa, still struggle with limited network coverage and lower access to banking services. For many citizens in these areas, cash remains the only reliable payment method.

“Financial inclusion is a core part of the digital euro vision,” says Sheri Brandon. “We must ensure that everyone, from city centres to remote suburbs, can participate in the digital economy. In this respect, the offline payment component of the digital euro is crucial, because it allows people to use digital euro even where connectivity is weak. It’s a way to bring digital solutions to those who couldn’t access it.

Digital euro timeline: from preparation to reality

According to the ECB, the digital euro project will officially kick off next year, with a planned rollout to consumers and merchants in 2029. This timeline reflects the massive scale and complexity of the initiative. “By 2029, the goal is that consumers will be able to pay with the digital euro directly from their wallets, and merchants will be ready to accept it,” explains Brandon. “That means a lot of work between now and then; banks, merchants, and infrastructure providers must all adapt. That’s where we come in.”

“We already work with many of Europe’s biggest banks and also support smaller institutions that face tougher regulatory and technological challenges,” says Brandon. “Worldline is one of the few companies active across every part of the payment chain: issuing, processing, and merchant services. Whether you’re a local bank or a major European player, we’re here to connect you seamlessly to multi-rail solutions like Wero and the digital euro.”

Driving innovation and inclusion

Worldline’s experience across Europe positions them as a trusted partner for the ECB and the broader European payments ecosystem. Their involvement from the inception of the digital euro project, through to its implementation, reflects their commitment to supporting both large and small banks as they navigate regulatory and technological challenges.

Sheri Brandon emphasises: “Worldline is ready to support every part of the market. Even the largest banks, with all their resources, recognise the value of working with a partner who understands the complexities of European payments.”

The digital euro will bring tangible benefits to merchants and consumers alike: immediate liquidity for merchants, enhanced privacy for consumers, and a platform for ongoing innovation. Importantly, it will help bridge the gap for regions and communities that remain underserved by traditional banking networks.

Looking ahead: building the future of payments

The journey towards European payments sovereignty is just beginning. Worldline remains committed to driving innovation, supporting financial inclusion, and helping Europe build a robust, resilient digital payment infrastructure.

Thibault Pele concludes: “Payments are at the core of Europe’s autonomy and sovereignty. With the digital euro, Europe will have an additional tool among others to strengthen this vision. Worldline is proud to help make that vision a reality.”

Learn more about Worldline’s role in European payment innovation:

1. Our approach to digital payments solutions
2. Contact us for more information on European payment infrastructure