Berlin Embraces Wero for Digital Independence
Berlin, January 28, 2026 – The digital committee of the Berlin House of Representatives has made a significant decision, opting to introduce the European payment system Wero for all fees and payments to the city’s administration. This strategic move, reported by Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB), is a crucial step towards fostering digital independence from dominant US payment service providers.
Wero: A European Alternative to US Payment Giants
Wero, a portmanteau of “We” and “Euro,” is a digital payment service designed to facilitate money transfers using only a mobile phone number or an email address. Its primary objective is to offer a robust European alternative to established US services such as PayPal, thereby strengthening the continent’s digital sovereignty.
Unanimous Support in the Digital Committee
The decision to adopt Wero received broad support within the digital committee, with nearly all parliamentary groups endorsing the motion put forth by the Greens. Only the AfD abstained from the vote, highlighting the widespread consensus on the importance of this initiative. The final approval for the implementation of Wero now rests with the House of Representatives.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Berlin government to reduce its reliance on major US corporations. This includes exploring and implementing open-source software solutions, a path already taken by the state of Schleswig-Holstein in 2024, and which Berlin is also considering.
Wero’s Evolution: From Person-to-Person to Online Shopping
Wero was officially launched in July 2024, initially offering instant transfers exclusively between private individuals. By autumn 2025, its capabilities expanded to include online shopping transactions, further enhancing its utility and reach. Plans are also underway to introduce Wero for stationary retail, making it a comprehensive payment solution across various sectors.
The system is managed by the European Payments Initiative (EPI), a collaborative effort involving several prominent European banks and payment service providers. Upon its launch, Wero was accessible to customers of Sparkassen and Volks- und Raiffeisen-Banken. Since then, its network has grown to include other major financial institutions such as Deutsche Bank and the British neobank Revolut, signifying its increasing acceptance and integration within the European financial landscape.
Berlin’s Commitment to Digital Autonomy
The introduction of Wero underscores Berlin’s commitment to building a more resilient and independent digital infrastructure. By prioritizing European solutions, the city aims to ensure greater control over its digital economy and protect sensitive data, aligning with broader European efforts to achieve digital sovereignty.
This development is expected to streamline administrative processes for Berliners, offering a secure and efficient method for making payments to the government. It also sends a clear message about the city’s dedication to supporting European technological advancements and reducing its dependence on non-European digital ecosystems.
