Brussels, 7 October 2026 – The European Credit Sector Associations (EACB, EBF, ESBG) welcome the announcement of the creation of the European Network for Payments (ENP).
The establishment of this new entity marks an important step towards inter-connecting European payment solutions operated by Bancomat, Bizum, EPI/Wero, SIBS–MB WAY and Vipps MobilePay. Together, these solutions serve approximately 130 million users across 13 European countries, providing significant scale from the outset. Building on their Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year, the ENP will provide the common technical and operational framework to progressively enable seamless cross-border payments across Europe.
Europe’s banks have consistently supported a competitive, innovative and resilient European payments ecosystem. Connecting historically fragmented and distinct national markets is an important next step. The creation of the ENP demonstrates how market-led cooperation can concretely contribute to Europe’s sovereignty ambitions building on existing European strengths, standards and investments.
As representatives of Europe’s diverse banking sector, we warmly welcome this important step towards a more sovereign, competitive and integrated European payments market, benefiting European citizens and businesses.
About the EACB
The European Association of Co-operative Banks (EACB) is the voice of the cooperative banks in Europe. It represents, promotes and defends the common interests of its 29 member institutions and of cooperative banks in general. Cooperative banks form decentralised networks which are subject to banking as well as cooperative legislation. Democracy, transparency and proximity are the three key characteristics of the cooperative banks’ business model. With 2,400 locally operating banks and 35,150 outlets cooperative banks are widely represented throughout the enlarged European Union, playing a major role in the financial and economic system. They have a long tradition in serving 228 million customers, mainly consumers, retailers and communities. The cooperative banks in Europe represent 91 million members and 747,000 employees and have a total average market share of about 20%. Website: www.eacb.coop. Follow us on LinkedIn.
About EBF
The European Banking Federation is the voice of the European banking sector, comprising 33 national banking associations in Europe that together represent some 3,500 banks – large and small, wholesale and retail, local and international – employing about 2,7 million people. EBF's associate membership includes the national banking associations of 10 additional countries that cover the whole of Europe and beyond. The EBF is committed to a thriving European economy that is underpinned by a stable, secure, innovative and inclusive financial ecosystem, where financing is available to fund the future of citizens, businesses and innovators everywhere. Website: www.ebf.eu
About ESBG
ESBG represents the locally focused European banking sector, helping 32 members in 27 European countries strengthen their unique approach that focuses on providing service to local communities and boosting SMEs. Advocating for a proportionate approach to banking rules, ESBG unites at EU level some 859 banks, which together employ 620,000 people driven to innovate at 37,000 branches. ESBG members have total assets of € 6,35 trillion, provide € 3,72 trillion in loans to customers, and serve 163 million Europeans seeking retail banking services. ESBG members commit to further unleash the promise of sustainable and responsible 21st century banking.
https://www.wsbi-esbg.org. Follow us on LinkedIn.