The European Central Bank has outlined the accessibility features of the digital euro app, which is being designed to go beyond the requirements of the European Accessibility Act and the related standard EN 301 549. The app will aim to meet the highest level of accessibility under the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, adapted for mobile payment applications.
The app will apply the highest accessibility level under WCAG adapted for mobile payments.
The app is expected to include enhanced visual design, full keyboard navigation, screen reader support, time-out warnings, simplified language, error prevention, and reduced motion settings. These features are designed to make the app usable for everyone, including people with disabilities.
Like cash, the digital euro will be a public good.
Accessibility is how we make sure that the digital euro belongs to everyone.
The proposal for the app's accessibility features was developed in cooperation with consumer organisations, accessibility experts, and national central banks. The app is currently under development and will be tested during a pilot to be launched in 2027. Testing will involve members of the ONCE Foundation for Cooperation and Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities, as well as staff from the ECB and 19 national central banks.
The digital euro app is intended to be one of several ways for people to access basic digital euro services. Users will also be able to access the digital euro through their regular payment service providers.