ECB says digital euro app will exceed EU accessibility standards
The European Central Bank proposed accessibility standards for its planned digital euro app, saying it would be one of several ways users could access basic digital euro services.
The European Central Bank (ECB) has proposed accessibility standards for its planned digital euro app, ensuring it will surpass the requirements set by the European Accessibility Act. The proposed design incorporates visual enhancements, full keyboard navigation, compatibility with screen-readers, time-out alerts, simplified language, error prevention, and reduced motion settings.
The ECB outlined these features in a July 2025 release, stating the app would act as a backup if bank applications failed and enable users to switch payment service providers without mastering a new system.
In an October 2025 progress report, the ECB described the standalone digital euro app as an alternative if bank apps were unreliable. However, bank and non-bank payment service providers disagreed with the mandate for standalone app support during the digital euro pilot, set to commence in the second half of 2027. The digital euro, the EU's proposed central bank digital currency (CBDC), aims to complement cash by offering a public digital payment option throughout the euro area.
Despite its potential benefits, the digital euro has faced criticism from privacy advocates and lawmakers. Some argue that a CBDC could facilitate greater government surveillance of financial transactions. The ECB has responded by outlining privacy safeguards to mitigate these concerns.
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