The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced it is recruiting experts to help develop a rulebook for the digital euro in everyday payment scenarios, focusing on ATMs and merchant card payment terminals. One working group will define how ATMs and point-of-sale terminals will process digital euro payments, including device connectivity, offline transaction support, and compatibility with existing payment standards; another working group will design certification processes for payment instruments and infrastructure. ECB President Christine Lagarde stated last December that the bank has completed the technical and preparatory work for the digital currency and is currently awaiting political approval. The project is under review by the European Council and the European Parliament, and if approved, it is expected to launch as early as 2029. Meanwhile, 12 European banks, including BBVA, ING, and BNP Paribas, have formed the Qivalis project, planning to launch a euro-pegged stablecoin in the second half of 2026, aiming to provide a blockchain payment solution that does not rely on dollar-backed tokens.