In 2026, Electronic Payment Service Providers Association (EFISZ) once again represented the Hungarian digital payments sector at several European policy and professional forums. The Brussels consultations, EDFA professional programs, the 28th Regime consultation, and the joint EFISZ–Central Bank of Hungary international appearances all demonstrate that the achievements of the domestic electronic payments market can be showcased as relevant best practices at the European level.
The European digital financial market has entered a new phase. The PSD3/PSR regulatory package, eIDAS2 and the EU Digital Wallet, instant payment–based services, interoperable digital payment models, as well as EU competitiveness and innovation programs are all directly shaping the future of the Hungarian electronic payments market.
In this environment, EFISZ’s international engagement is not merely relationship-building, but a strategic professional activity. Its objective is to ensure that the achievements of the Hungarian digital payments ecosystem, its operational models, and innovation-friendly regulatory approaches become visible at the European level.
Hungarian Professional Presence in the European Digital Finance Space
EFISZ’s international activities in 2026 covered multiple, mutually reinforcing areas. The association held consultations in Brussels with various Directorates-General of the European Commission, participated in the EDFA Fintech Visits program, built direct dialogue with DG FISMA leaders and experts, contributed professional input to the 28th Regime consultation, jointly participated with the Central Bank of Hungary (MNB) in the Bridging Borders European workshop, and attended financial integration conferences organized by the ECB and the European Commission.
According to the leadership background materials, these events are elements of a conscious international strategy aimed at presenting the Hungarian digital payments ecosystem, positioning domestic best practices at the European level, and identifying regulatory and business opportunities at an early stage.
In this process, EFISZ plays a bridging role between the domestic market, the European regulatory environment, and the digital financial innovation space. Its international presence directly supports the competitiveness, regulatory preparedness, and international visibility of the Hungarian payments sector.
Brussels Consultations: The Hungarian Payment Model in European Policy Dialogue
In January 2026, EFISZ conducted professional consultations in Brussels with several Directorates-General of the European Commission. The discussions focused on the achievements of the Hungarian electronic payments and digital services ecosystem, the experience of the instant payment infrastructure, and domestic interoperability solutions.
The Hungarian model presented to DG FISMA includes several elements relevant at the European level: the instant payment infrastructure operating since 2020, a market model based on equal access, solutions focused on interoperability and a unified user experience, and the innovation potential of the qvik service.
During the meetings, EFISZ provided a detailed overview of the practical functioning of the Hungarian instant payment model, the qvik service, and the cooperation among domestic market players. Particular interest was shown by the Commission in the model’s scalability, practical applicability, and European relevance.
The dialogue established with DG FISMA should not be seen as a one-off Brussels presence. Following leadership changes, EFISZ conducted further outreach and consultations in April 2026, focusing on interoperability and current challenges in the digital payments sector. This indicates that Hungary’s professional presence may evolve into a lasting institutional relationship at the European level.
EDFA: European Professional Integration
One of the key foundations of EFISZ’s international activity is its connection to the European Digital Finance Association (EDFA). As a founding member with board-level participation, EFISZ is actively involved in EDFA’s work, which provides a European platform for digital finance stakeholders.
This integration enables Hungarian professional positions to be represented not in isolation, but through a European professional network. Within EDFA, EFISZ can contribute to consultations, position papers, and policy discussions that directly shape the future of digital financial services.
Within the EDFA Fintech Visits program, EFISZ presented the Hungarian electronic payments ecosystem, the results of the instant payment system, and the European relevance of qvik. The program provided an opportunity for Hungarian experience to be directly incorporated into European fintech and digital payments strategic thinking.
Hungarian Proposal in the 28th Regime Consultation
EFISZ also actively participated in the professional work related to the European Union’s 28th Regime initiative. The aim of the 28th Regime is to create an innovation-friendly European regulatory framework that supports the functioning of the single market and reduces the regulatory fragmentation burden on innovative businesses.
According to EFISZ’s approach, developing new European regulatory frameworks should not rely solely on theoretical legal constructs. There is a need for real market pilot projects that provide practical feedback to regulators and help determine under what conditions the framework can truly be viable and innovation-friendly.
Accordingly, EFISZ proposed a “pilot-first” approach, which would test the 28th Regime framework through the launch of 3–5 real market pilot projects. This Hungarian professional proposal has been incorporated into European-level professional discussions through EDFA, representing a concrete outcome: the perspectives of the Hungarian digital payments sector have appeared in European documents and consultation processes.
EFISZ–MNB Joint Participation in the Bridging Borders European Workshop
A highlight of 2026’s international activities was the joint representation of Hungary by EFISZ and the Central Bank of Hungary at the first session of the “Bridging Borders – Digital Payments without Borders” European workshop series.
The workshop aims to bring together European policymakers, regulators, payment service providers, and technology actors to jointly consider the future standards of fast, secure, and consumer-friendly digital payments. The topic is closely linked to cross-border digital payments, interoperability, instant payment–based services, and European digital competitiveness.
The joint participation of EFISZ and MNB conveyed a strong message: Hungary is capable of appearing in the European digital payments arena with a coordinated professional and regulatory position. This strengthens the credibility of the Hungarian model and increases the likelihood that Hungarian experiences will be considered in shaping future European payment standards.
The European Value of the Hungarian Digital Payment Model
A central objective of EFISZ’s international activity is to present the Hungarian digital payment model not as an isolated national solution, but as a best practice relevant at the European level.
The value of the Hungarian model stems from several factors. First, there is a functioning instant payment infrastructure on which new payment initiation methods, user experiences, and service models can be built. Second, the domestic approach is not based on a single technological channel but prioritizes the coordinated use of multiple payment initiation methods—such as QR, NFC, deep link, and request-to-pay.
Another important element is the platform logic: Hungarian digital service infrastructures demonstrate that systems built on unified principles can provide a foundational service layer for connected partners. This is complemented by the experience of cooperation between market participants and regulators, which is a key condition for digital payment transformation.
Value for Members and for Hungary
EFISZ’s international activities create value both for its member companies and for the Hungarian digital payments ecosystem as a whole.
For member companies, international engagement provides early insight into regulatory developments, international visibility, pilot and partnership opportunities, and structured professional positioning. For government and policymakers, EFISZ serves as a credible industry channel capable of positioning Hungarian best practices at the European level, contributing input to EU consultations, and supporting the development of innovation-friendly regulatory approaches.
EFISZ’s goal is for Hungary not to be a follower, but an active, credible, and initiating player in the European transformation of digital payments.
Focus for the Coming Period
In the coming period, key areas of focus for EFISZ’s international engagement may include European digital payment standards and interoperability, post-PSD3/PSR operational frameworks, the 28th Regime and innovation pilots, the EU Digital Wallet and eIDAS2, financial awareness and consumer trust, and the deliberate development of international partnerships.
The evolution of digital payments is not only a technological or financial issue, but also a matter of competitiveness. EFISZ aims to contribute to this transformation with Hungarian expertise, a strong European presence, and collaborative professional development.
