According to CoinMeta, the European Central Bank (ECB) called on e-commerce and m-commerce merchants in the eurozone to participate in a digital euro pilot on Tuesday, in preparation for the possible issuance of retail central bank digital currency in 2029. This pilot will test the technology, operational processes, and user experience of the currency, although it will not become legal tender. Merchants in the eurozone argue that it's more than just a technical test; the digital euro needs sufficient places of consumption for consumers to use it, making merchant acceptance a business issue. The pilot is planned to begin in the second half of 2027 and will involve the ECB, the central banks of 19 eurozone countries, and selected merchants.