The European Central Bank (ECB) has selected Telefónica and Minsait as one of two providers to deploy the communication and security infrastructure for the projected digital euro. This framework will serve as a secure interconnect for the ecosystem of public and private intermediaries, including financial institutions, fintech firms, and payment service providers (PSPs).
The two companies have established a consortium to design and implement networks that integrate core communication services with robust security protocols, enabling secure data exchange for consumers and businesses. The 10-year contract is scheduled to commence on May 3, 2027. This partnership will establish a critical technological layer connecting digital euro applications with the intermediaries serving citizens across the Eurozone.
“This project aligns with our mission to provide a secure gateway to digital technologies for society,” stated Borja Ochoa, Chairman of Telefónica España and General Director of B2B. “It is a significant advancement in our strategy to foster a more digital and sovereign Europe, requiring highly resilient communications infrastructure.”
Luis Fernández, CEO of Minsait, added, “The digital euro is one of Europe’s most transformative financial initiatives. Minsait’s expertise in payment systems, digital identity, and cybersecurity will be instrumental in building a secure and integrated financial ecosystem that fosters trust among millions of European citizens.”
The consortium’s proposal utilizes a distributed infrastructure model combining data center management, cybersecurity, and technology integration. The digital euro is intended to serve as a legal payment method accepted throughout the Eurozone, complementing physical cash. The sovereign infrastructure is also being designed to support commercial transactions in environments without active internet connectivity.
Telefónica will oversee the communications infrastructure, including the deployment of a secure MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) network and SD-WAN capabilities. Minsait will provide the integration platforms, APIs, and digital identity services, supported by a Security Operations Center (SOC) designed to detect threats and manage encrypted communications across the platform.
The European Central Bank (ECB) has selected Telefónica and Minsait as one of two providers to deploy the communication and security infrastructure for the projected digital euro.
The BMW Group has reported that one million vehicles have utilized automated driving technology during the production process.
Microsoft is continuing to expand its digital sovereignty capabilities through Microsoft Sovereign Cloud, bringing together public cloud services, customer-operated private infrastructure and partner technology environments. The new capabilities are aimed at organizations managing sensitive data, critical information systems and business processes subject to strict regulatory requirements, including government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare providers, energy companies and other critical infrastructure operators.
