The ECB has recorded the failure of cryptocurrencies in eurozone retail: only 0.2% of online companies accept digital assets.
A large-scale study by the European Central Bank (ECB), covering more than 8,200 enterprises across all 21 eurozone countries, has revealed striking statistics: only 0.2% of internet companies in the region are willing to accept cryptocurrencies or stablecoins as payment. This is an almost negligible figure that calls into question the narratives about the imminent adoption of digital assets in everyday commerce.
The survey, conducted by Ipsos European Public Affairs between February 23 and April 10, 2026, covered retail trade, food services, hospitality, and entertainment. The questionnaire featured only three assets—Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT. For comparison, traditional payment instruments paint a completely different picture: cards are available at 82% of online merchants, and bank transfers at 74%.
Mobile payments are displacing cash, but not crypto
The most telling trend in the study is the rapid growth of mobile payments. Their share among eurozone companies has surged from 36% to 68% in just two years. This primarily refers to instant transfers and digital wallets. Meanwhile, cash is still accepted by 92% of companies (up from 90% in 2024), and cards by 88%.
Businesses have clearly outlined their priorities when choosing a payment instrument: customer preferences (26%), security (22%), and ease of processing (15%). Notably, when comparing cash and electronic methods, no single parameter emerged where digital options were unequivocally better. Moreover, in terms of privacy and reliability, entrepreneurs rated cash higher.
The digital euro as an alternative
The study is published against the backdrop of the ECB's active preparations for launching the digital euro, tentatively in 2029. In June, the European Parliament's relevant committee supported the corresponding bill, which provides for online and offline payments, free basic services, and mandatory acceptance of the CBDC by most companies. In July, the ECB already selected banks for testing—the list included Deutsche Bank, Revolut, Stripe, UniCredit, Adyen, SumUp, and Worldline.
It is telling that 92% of companies accepting cash intend to continue doing so over the next five years. The exceptions are Cyprus (51% of small and medium-sized enterprises are ready to abandon cash), Greece (23%), and Bulgaria (18%).
My analysis: These data are a sobering signal for the crypto industry. While the industry focuses on speculative narratives, the real economy does not see practical value in cryptocurrencies for settlements. Even accounting for regulatory uncertainty, the key problem is the lack of convenience and speed comparable to mobile payments. The digital euro, by contrast, has every chance to occupy this niche, gaining institutional support and mandatory acceptance, which will ultimately marginalize cryptocurrencies in European retail.