With Wero, EPI aims to create “a unique and secure digital payment wallet, bringing together all possible use cases in a single solution”. EPI also collaborated with Bancontact Payconiq Company (BPC) on the launch of Wero in Belgium. Initially, Wero and the already existing payment app Payconiq will continue to coexist. When Wero is well integrated into Belgian banks and the transition phase is completed, Payconiq will be replaced by Wero.
The date of its discontinuation should be communicated sometime in 2025. BPC will also distribute Wero to merchants who currently use Payconiq, allowing them to accept Wero payments in their stores without having to change anything to adopt this new solution.
EPI’s objective is to offer a sovereign payment alternative to all consumers in Europe. Through the launch of a new payment method, the organization aims to compete with major international players such as Visa, Mastercard and PayPal.
“A desire for independence”
“We have a desire for independence, it is strategically important to keep the data that accompanies payments in Europe”underlines Martina Weimert, CEO of EPI.
Paying with your phone, more environmentally friendly than paying in cash? “There is above all an a priori seeing the mass of data produced by Gafam”
The launch of Wero in Belgium follows successful deployments in Germany last July and in France at the end of September. Ultimately, the Netherlands and Luxembourg should follow. The implementation of Wero in these countries “accounts for two thirds of all digital payments in Europe. Given these figures, it makes sense that Wero will also be launched in many other European countries in the near future”adds Martina Weimert. From 2025, Wero’s services will be enriched with new functionalities, such as subscription payment, deposits, installment payments and even automated direct debit management.
