Nexi wins a ten-year role in the digital euro network
The ECB selected Nexi and Deutsche Telekom for the first of two digital-euro connectivity contracts. The mandate starts with the pilot, but its commercial value is not disclosed.
The European Central Bank has selected Nexi Payments and Deutsche Telekom Business Solutions as the first-ranked network service provider for the digital euro. Their contract took effect on 28 September and initially covers connectivity for the pilot. A separate Telefónica and Indra grouping will provide a second route from May 2027.
The network is intended to connect participating payment service providers and national central banks to the digital euro service platform, while also linking the platform's components. Nexi and Deutsche Telekom describe a secure, resilient and scalable system connecting the platform's data centres. This is infrastructure for a potential digital currency, not a decision to issue one.
Nexi says the service agreement runs for ten years. The ECB expects both provider groups to be ready from 2029 for potential issuance, subject to a later Governing Council decision. Its agreement also allows the services requested to change as the pilot and any subsequent phase develop.
For Nexi, the selection is evidence that its payment infrastructure can win a long-duration role in a public European platform. The announcement does not disclose the contract value, Nexi's share of the work, margins or the timing of revenue. That prevents a sensible estimate of the financial contribution. The next useful evidence will be the scope ordered during the pilot and whether the digital euro advances from preparation to issuance.