What is the ECB doing to make the digital euro accessible?

11/12/2025

The digital euro would be a new form of public money, like the banknotes and coins we currently use, but in digital format. The European Central Bank (ECB) is working to ensure that it is easy to use and accessible to everyone.

The design of an app is under way to operate with the digital euro following European legislation on accessibilityAbre en ventana nueva. This legislation protects everyone from barriers to accessing products and services, whether due to disability, age, temporary conditions or specific situations, fostering their access and participation on a level playing field.

The ECB conducted a study on the digital euroAbre en ventana nueva in the 20 euro area countries to gain insights on the needs of small merchants and vulnerable consumers. Focus groups and interviews were conducted to understand their preferences and the challenges they faced with existing payment methods. The findings have served to design a digital euro that is accessible, inclusive and tailored to the needs of all its users.

Aside from taking into account the results of the study, the design of the digital euro has also benefitted from contributions from civil society and consumer protection organisations, helping to identify specific needs and strengthen the commitment to accessibility and inclusion. In this connection:      

• Vulnerable consumers’ needs have been taken into account.
• It is important to provide in-person support for those who need it.
• People without a bank account or who do not wish to open one should also be able to access basic digital euro services free of charge, which would help to reduce digital exclusion.

Under the European Commission’s proposed RegulationAbre en ventana nueva, credit institutions distributing the digital euro would be required to provide basic services free of charge to customers upon request.

In sum, the digital euro would be designed to ensure that any person can use it, without barriers.

For more information on the digital euro, you can check the section we created on this portal, as well as other content availableAbre en ventana nueva on the Banco de España