Collaboration Starts with Participation
ECIC is built on the belief that the future of European commerce is shaped through collaboration.
We bring together merchants, retailers, innovators, financial institutions, payment providers, technology companies, industry associations, researchers, and public stakeholders who share an interest in strengthening the European commerce ecosystem.
Some organisations participate as members. Others engage through partnerships, working groups, projects, research activities, events, or industry dialogue.
Our goal is simple: create a trusted environment where organisations can learn from each other, identify shared challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Membership
Membership is intended for organisations and individuals who want to actively contribute to ECIC’s activities, priorities, and governance.
Members help shape the direction of the association, participate in decision-making, and contribute expertise, experience, and market insight to the wider community.
As a member-led organisation, ECIC’s General Assembly provides the foundation for governance and strategic direction.
Partnerships
Not every organisation needs to become a member to contribute meaningfully.
ECIC actively collaborates with trade associations, industry bodies, research organisations, technology providers, payment stakeholders, academic institutions, and public-sector organisations.
Partnerships enable knowledge sharing, joint activities, ecosystem dialogue, and collaborative initiatives while allowing organisations to engage in a way that matches their own objectives and responsibilities.
Open and Inclusive
ECIC is founded to strengthen the voice of commerce in Europe.
We welcome retailers and merchants of all sizes, as well as organisations whose expertise contributes to the future development of commerce, payments, data, and innovation.
We believe that better outcomes emerge when different perspectives are brought together in a constructive and respectful way.
Opt-In by Design
Participation in ECIC is voluntary.
Members and partners decide which activities, discussions, working groups, and initiatives are relevant to them. No organisation is expected to participate in every activity.
This opt-in approach helps ensure that engagement remains practical, focused, and valuable for all participants.
Equally important, organisations remain free to step back from activities that are no longer aligned with their priorities.
Built on Trust
Effective collaboration requires trust.
ECIC operates under clear governance principles designed to ensure that participants can engage openly and confidently. This includes requirements relating to confidentiality, information security, ethical conduct, and professional behaviour.
Participants are expected to respect these principles at all times.
Competition Law and Responsible Collaboration
Many ECIC participants operate in competitive markets.
For this reason, all ECIC activities are conducted within a structured governance framework that supports compliance with competition law and other applicable regulations.
The purpose of ECIC is not to coordinate commercial behaviour. It is to create a safe and neutral environment where stakeholders can explore common challenges, share knowledge, develop insight, and identify opportunities that benefit the wider ecosystem.
These safeguards help ensure that collaboration can take place responsibly while protecting the independence of all participants.
Why Organisations Engage
Organisations participate in ECIC to:
- Connect with stakeholders from across Europe
- Exchange knowledge and practical experience
- Explore emerging trends and opportunities
- Contribute to industry dialogue
- Participate in collaborative initiatives
- Strengthen the voice of commerce in Europe
- Help shape the future of commerce, payments, and innovation
Interested in Participating?
Whether you are exploring membership, considering a partnership, or simply interested in learning more about ECIC, we welcome the opportunity to start a conversation.erested in learning more about ECIC, we welcome the opportunity to start a conversation.