The Cooperative Bank of Chania has been selected by the Eurosystem to participate in the pilot programme for the development and testing of the digital euro, becoming one of 36 European banks and payment service providers that will contribute to shaping the future of electronic payments across Europe.

The selection followed the expression of interest process launched in March, with participants evaluated against the technical, operational and organisational criteria established by the Eurosystem.

The pilot programme is expected to commence in the second half of 2027 and will run for a period of twelve months. The Cooperative Bank of Chania will participate as a payment service provider, in cooperation with the Bank of Greece and in accordance with the operational framework defined by the Eurosystem.

The Bank’s participation in this initiative confirms its strategic commitment to innovation and the digital transformation of financial services, while reinforcing its dedication to providing modern, secure and reliable payment solutions to its customers and the businesses it serves.

Commenting on the Cooperative Bank of Chania’s participation in the digital euro pilot programme, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Michail Marakakis, stated:

“The selection of the Cooperative Bank of Chania to participate in the digital euro pilot programme is a great honour and a recognition of our long-standing commitment to innovation and modern payment services. Our Bank is actively contributing to the development of the new digital infrastructure of the European economy, with the aim of providing our customers with secure, reliable and advanced financial solutions. The digital euro is expected to represent a significant milestone in the future of payments, and our participation in this initiative further strengthens the Bank’s role as a modern and dynamic financial institution with a strong presence in both the local community and the Greek market.”

Through its participation in the pilot programme, the Cooperative Bank of Chania further strengthens its position in the field of digital payments and reaffirms its active role in the developments shaping the new European financial landscape.