Shaping the Future of European Commerce
Commerce is increasingly European. Payments, data, technology, and regulation increasingly cross borders. Yet many of the systems and structures supporting commerce remain fragmented.
The European Commerce Innovation Council (ECIC) brings together merchants, innovators, financial institutions, industry associations, researchers, and public stakeholders to address shared challenges and create opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth across Europe.
Engage with ECIC Learn about the Council
Why ECIC exists
European commerce depends on collaboration.
Many of today’s challenges cannot be solved by individual organisations acting alone. From innovation and interoperability to resilience and competitiveness, progress requires dialogue between the organisations that build, operate, regulate, and depend on the commerce ecosystem.
ECIC exists to provide a trusted and neutral platform where stakeholders can exchange perspectives, develop understanding, and turn shared challenges into collective action.
Supported Across Europe
ECIC is supported by a growing network of national and European commerce organisations that share the ambition of strengthening innovation, collaboration, and competitiveness across the European commerce ecosystem.
Through cooperation agreements and partnership arrangements, ECIC works alongside retail and commerce associations representing businesses and stakeholders across multiple European markets.
This growing network helps ensure that ECIC remains grounded in the practical realities of commerce while reflecting perspectives from across Europe.
What Makes ECIC Different
Commerce-Led
We help ensure that the needs of merchants and the wider commerce ecosystem are reflected in discussions that shape the future of payments, data, and commerce.
European by Design
Our focus is cross-border collaboration and solutions that can create value across multiple markets, industries, and stakeholder groups.
Neutral and Trusted
ECIC does not promote individual commercial interests. We provide a framework for constructive and responsible collaboration.
Built for Action
We help move promising ideas beyond discussion and into practical initiatives, working groups, research, and collaborative programmes.
Bringing the Ecosystem Together
Creating a trusted forum where European commerce stakeholders can address shared opportunities and challenges.
Enabling Collaborative Action
Supporting initiatives, pilots, and projects that generate practical outcomes.
Building Insight Through Evidence
Developing trusted knowledge, data, and understanding of the evolving commerce ecosystem.
Advancing Innovation and Learning
Helping organisations understand emerging technologies, opportunities, and risks.
Strengthening Europe’s Commerce Ecosystem
Supporting long-term competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable growth.
Who Participates
ECIC brings together organisations from across Europe’s commerce ecosystem, including:
- Merchants and retailers
- Merchant and industry associations
- Financial institutions
- Payment service providers
- Technology companies
- Research organisations
- Public institutions and ecosystem stakeholders
Together, these organisations contribute knowledge, expertise, and perspectives that help shape a stronger European commerce ecosystem.
Participation Built on Trust
Effective collaboration requires confidence.
ECIC operates within a structured governance framework that supports transparency, information security, confidentiality, and compliance with competition law. These principles enable organisations to engage openly while maintaining their independence and responsibilities.
Ready to Engage?
Whether you are interested in membership, partnership, industry dialogue, research, or collaborative initiatives, we welcome the opportunity to connect.