payment providers

The Council of the European Union is raising the question of a payment system made in Europe, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign card networks and payment platforms. The discussion fits into wider EU efforts around digital sovereignty, the digital euro project and strategic autonomy in financial infrastructure. Reactions online mix support for European independence in payments with scepticism about whether a new system can compete with established providers.

New software tools are making it easier for United States e-commerce sellers to enter European markets, according to an E-Commerce Times report. The tools are said to lower barriers such as logistics, compliance and cross-border payments, letting smaller merchants sell to European customers. Details on which tools and companies are involved were not provided.