The central bank outlined features including screen-reader support and keyboard navigation as it prepares a 12-month pilot for the proposed CBDC in the second half of 2027.
The European Central Bank said its planned digital euro app will go beyond the accessibility standards required under the European Accessibility Act. The proposed design includes enhanced visual design, full keyboard navigation, screen-reader support, time-out warnings, simplified language, error prevention and reduced motion settings. The standalone app was first described in an October 2025 progress report as a fallback if bank apps fail and as a way for users to switch payment service providers without learning a new interface. That report also said both bank and non-bank payment service providers opposed mandatory support for the standalone app. The digital euro is the European Union’s proposed CBDC (central bank digital currency), intended to complement cash with a public digital payment option across the euro area. On July 14, the ECB selected 36 payment service providers for a 12-month pilot due to start in the second half of 2027, with the testing phase set to inform any later issuance decision. The project has faced criticism from some privacy advocates and lawmakers, who say a CBDC could expand government visibility into payments, while the ECB says privacy safeguards will be built in.