DIGITAL EURO APP TO INCORPORATE HIGHEST ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS

30 July 2026

The European Central Bank (ECB) has revealed significant accessibility features for its upcoming digital euro app, aimed at ensuring that all users can easily access fundamental digital euro services. From its inception, the principles of accessibility and inclusion have been at the forefront of the app’s design. The envisioned application showcases the ECB’s dedication to enabling every European citizen to engage with digital payments on equal footing, regardless of their varying needs, abilities, or levels of digital confidence.

This innovative app design is set to exceed the stipulations outlined in the European Accessibility Act and the associated EN 301 549 standards, offering some of the most progressive features available in today’s market. This commitment highlights the Eurosystem’s mission of inclusion, guaranteeing that the digital euro is reachable for everyone.

The design adheres to the highest accessibility criteria as specified in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, tailored specifically for mobile payment applications. It encompasses aspects such as perception, operability, and cognitive accessibility. Users can anticipate a suite of advanced features designed to mitigate common challenges faced by individuals with diverse needs, incorporating enhanced visual layouts, full keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, alerts for time-outs, simplified language usage, error prevention mechanisms, and settings to limit motion.

Piero Cipollone, a member of the ECB’s Executive Board and chair of the High-Level Task Force on the digital euro, emphasized, “Just like cash, the digital euro will be a public asset, and it is imperative that every European can access it equally in our digital era.” He further expressed support for the European Commission’s legislative proposal, which aims to guarantee universal access to the digital euro app, asserting that accessibility is integral to ensuring that the digital euro is inclusive for all individuals.

The proposal detailing the app’s accessibility features has been disseminated among market stakeholders and relevant entities, collaboratively developed alongside consumer advocacy groups, accessibility specialists, and national central banks.

The app is currently under development and is scheduled for testing within the framework of the digital euro pilot set to be launched in 2027. Concurrently, the app’s requirements will be validated through usability and accessibility testing with participants from the ONCE Foundation for Cooperation and Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities, as well as ECB staff and representatives from 19 national central banks. This approach aims to foster a consistent and inclusive user experience across the eurozone.

According to the proposed digital euro Regulation, the app will represent just one of multiple pathways for individuals to access essential digital euro services. Users will also have the option to access the digital euro through channels provided by their payment service providers, which will serve as the primary interface for end users. The legislative proposal clarity asserts that individuals should have the right to choose the platform that best fits their personal needs.

During discussions within the Euro Retail Payments Board, consumer organizations highlighted the necessity of an inclusive Eurosystem app, reinforcing the idea that universal access to the digital euro is vital.

The design of the digital euro app embodies the ECB’s pledge to devise a payment solution that serves the interests of all European citizens. By systematically integrating accessibility into its framework, the app aims to empower Europeans to fully engage in the digital economy.

For press inquiries, please reach out to Georgina Garriga Sánchez at Georgina.Garriga_Sanchez@ecb.europa.eu or call +49 69 1344 95368.