What is Payments Europe and what makes it unique?
Payments Europe is the first ever association in Europe that brings together the players that make a digital transaction successful. Payments Europe’s membership consists of financial institutions and payment networks; large and small players; European and global companies; all of which are committed to speak about the value of digital payments and the policy making that is shaping our industry.
Why was it set up?
Payments Europe was founded in 2019 to answer the European digital payments industry call for a united voice. The mission of the association is to promote a better understanding of digital payments, especially card-based payments, and the value they bring to society. On the back of the industry’s efforts to provide merchants and consumers with the most secure, convenient, and innovative services, Payments Europe’s members came together to share their knowledge and expertise with policy stakeholders, contributing to Europe’s future payments policy and legislative framework.
What have you achieved so far?
Payments Europe is at the very forefront of the EU’s strategic digital payments agenda and has become a credible interlocutor for policymakers, industry stakeholders and the media. The association has contributed to reaching major policy objectives for the industry through its position papers, studies, educational materials, open letters and convenings with stakeholders on all major issues affecting the payments market. For example, in 2019, the association conducted its first research looking at “Cards in the evolving European payments landscape”. The research showed that card-based payment solutions are a vital component and key driver of the European payments landscape.
What should we look out for?
Payments Europe is about to publish a study entitled “The evolution of the European payments market: where is Europe heading?”. We have surveyed consumers and merchants across Europe to better understand the latest payment trends, emerging payment methods and users’ preferences. It showed that the European payments market is thriving with healthy competition and a variety of payment methods that are focused on consumer choice, access and trust.