The digital euro, issued by the Eurosystem, is intended to complement existing banknotes and coins, offering Europeans a secure and universally accessible digital payment option. Like cash, it would be available to everyone, at any time and place, supporting financial inclusion and freedom of choice in digital payments.
From the start, the ECB identified offline capability as a core requirement — ensuring that payments remain functional even in areas without internet or power connectivity. In this model, funds are stored directly on a user’s device (smartphones, cards, or other compatible devices) using secure technology. Transactions are completed locally between devices, preserving cash-like privacy, since no personal or transaction data is recorded by banks, payment providers, or the central bank.
Following the completion of the public procurement process for the “Digital Euro Offline Solution (PRO-009494),” the ECB signed a framework agreement to develop, implement, and partially operate the offline component. The partnership — led by G+D, together with Nexi and Capgemini — will focus on designing, defining, and integrating the offline payment capability into the broader Digital Euro architecture.
Under the ECB Governing Council’s guidance and EU legislation, G+D and other selected partners will now collaborate on finalizing project planning and timelines. Their work will support the Digital Euro Service Platform (DESP) — the technological foundation enabling the secure and efficient operation of digital euro payments.
This collaboration brings together:
- G+D’s expertise in currency security and public money innovation,
- Capgemini’s global leadership in digital transformation and technology consulting, and
- Nexi’s strong presence in payment technology and point-of-sale infrastructure.
Together, they will ensure the integration of offline digital payments within Europe’s existing financial ecosystem.
“We’re proud to lead this pan-European partnership with Nexi and Capgemini to bring the digital euro’s offline capabilities to life,” said Dr. Wolfram Seidemann, CEO of G+D Currency Technology. “This milestone reflects our commitment to secure, innovative digital payment solutions that maintain the privacy and resilience people associate with cash.”
Renato Martini, Digital Banking Solutions Director at Nexi Group, added, “As Europe accelerates digital payment adoption, our goal is to develop solutions that are both advanced and reliable. Our expertise in acceptance technology ensures that payments remain seamless — even when terminals are offline.”
Joachim von Puttkamer, Head of Capgemini’s Financial Services in Germany, commented, “We’re honored to support the ECB in building and testing the digital euro’s offline functionalities. This collaboration strengthens Capgemini’s position as a trusted digital transformation partner in the financial industry, helping create a secure, user-focused, and future-ready payment ecosystem.”
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