Harmonising payments in
We represent payment service providers ( ) on all European payment issues and strive to harmonise payments in to benefit European competitiveness and innovation.
Introducing the
We are an international not-for-profit organisation offering one focal point and voice for European . In constant dialogue with stakeholders and regulators at European level, we support and promote the integration and development of European payments. This mission translates into our four payment schemes – used by thousands of in Europe – which facilitate over 46 billion transactions each year.
The and the process
is a European Union ( ) integration initiative pursued by the institutions. The is not an institution; it was created by the banking industry in 2002 in response to the institutions’ call to develop harmonised electronic euro payment instruments. The introduction of euro coins and banknotes was just the first step in the integration of payments in Europe.
members
The has 77 members ( or associations of ). Membership of the enables them to contribute to shaping the future of payments in Europe.
Our organisation
Hundreds of representatives of our members and other payment stakeholders are involved in the development of the payment schemes and the further harmonisation of other payment areas, through various working groups and task forces. Our Brussels-based staff facilitate their work under the guidance of the governance bodies.