Europe is trying to build its autonomy also in digital payments. The European Network for Payments (ENP) was born on 30 September 2026. It is the first European circuit designed to connect the main payment solutions of the old continent.
Starting from 2027, the aim is to offer a real and advantageous alternative to the US giants Visa and Mastercard, which today represent normality for everyone (or almost). In fact, they handle around 90% of card transactions on a global scale. Needless to say, excluding China. A project that also involves the Italian ATM and other European operators. Let’s take a closer look at what it is, so that we can make informed decisions in a few months.
What is the European Network for Payments
The name is decidedly long and for us Italians a little difficult to remember. From here on, therefore, we simply talk about ENP, which is a new entity that will have the role of managing and developing interoperability between the main European payment solutions.
What does this mean in practice? It will create a common “hub”, which boasts founding members who participate with equal shares. All to define together a technical evolution of this infrastructure, as well as the possible introduction of other solutions within the member countries. Today is a key stage towards an interconnected and above all more autonomous payments ecosystem. More European and more ours.
Alternative to Visa and Mastercard
This operation is highly strategic, because ENP will represent the concrete response (a little late) to the giants mentioned. This means that in the coming years we will try to reduce dependence on non-European circuits.
Specifically, around 130 million users divided into 13 countries will refer to the new network. All with a coverage of over 70% of the population of the European Union and Norway. A theme that is linked to the broader discussion on the digital sovereignty of our continent, from data to payment systems.
What does ATM have to do with it
There are some of the main European operators at stake. As mentioned, in fact, we find the Italian ATM, but not only that. Here are the other names:
- Bizum (Spain);
- Sibs-MB Way (Portugal);
- Vipps MobilePay (Scandinavia);
- Epi Company/Wero consortium (which brings together large banks together with Nexi and Worldline).
A structural transformation is not expected, since each solution mentioned will maintain its brand, functionality and user experience. What will change will be the common technical infrastructure that connects all these realities. All based on European standards and instant payments from account to account, with advantages also in terms of costs for customers.
The timing and how it works
Operation will not be immediate. A gradual project that first involves the activation of cross-border payments between people and then payments online and at physical points. Here are the words of Fabrizio Burlando, CEO of Bancomat Spa:
This initiative marks a concrete step towards a more integrated and autonomous European payments system.
All in light of the need for a “scalable European model, capable of combining innovation, interoperability and resilience”, as well as strengthening the role of European banks and infrastructures in the future of digital payments.
