The ECB has introduced two blockchain programs, Pontes and Appia, to incorporate DLT into payment and settlement infrastructure in Europe.
Pontes focuses on connecting blockchain platforms with the ECB's payment network, TARGET, with a pilot phase starting in late 2026, while Appia aims at broader digital currency applications and global interoperability.
These programs are a result of ECB's 2024 research on using DLT for settling wholesale central bank money, showing benefits like faster transactions, cost reductions, and lower credit risks.
The ECB's blockchain strategy aims to drive innovation while ensuring financial stability, potentially influencing other central banks to adopt similar technology, positioning Europe as a blockchain integration leader.