EU introduces new rules to make instant euro payments faster and safer #
The European Commission has announced the adoption of new EU rules on instant euro payments, designed to ensure that transfers within the EU and EEA are processed in seconds, 24/7, and at no extra cost compared to standard transfers. The regulation aims to make instant payments the new normal for both consumers and businesses, boosting the speed and resilience of Europe’s payment systems
Under the new framework, payment service providers—such as banks and fintechs—must offer instant payment options for euro transactions and verify account details to prevent fraud. The rules also introduce stricter requirements for sanction screening and transparency, ensuring that instant transfers remain compliant with EU financial regulations
According to the Commission, the initiative will strengthen Europe’s financial sovereignty by reducing reliance on non-EU payment schemes and improving cross-border money movement within the Single Market. The rules will be phased in starting in 2026, allowing institutions time to adapt their infrastructure to support real-time processing.