Building a European Payments Alliance: Interoperability as a Common Goal

The infrastructure is built; the technology is proven — what remains is thecollective will to connect. The moment to make seamless, cross-border paymentsa reality for everyone is now.

This vision brought together leaders from across the continent at “Building a European Payments Alliance: Interoperability as a Common Goal”, hosted by Getnet Platforms and Santander on 14 November 2025, at the Santander Auditorium in Openbank’s headquarters, Madrid.
Organized in collaboration with the Spanish-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, the event brought together more than 100 leaders from across the European payments ecosystem.
And despite the rainy morning in Madrid, the auditorium was packed - a fullhouse - reflecting the growing momentum and shared ambition to make interoperable payments across Europe a reality.

He was followed by María Menéndez Becker, Head of the Digital Finance Unit at the Spanish Treasury, who addressed the political context surrounding the Digital Euro.
She emphasised that the Digital Euro should be understood as a public good that complements rather than competes with private payment initiatives, and that both have a vital role to play in building a stronger and more inclusive European payments ecosystem.

Finally, we had a leadership roundtable, “Connecting Europe through Payments”, with Rune Garborg (Vipps MobilePay), Fernando R. Ferrer (Bizum), and José Luis Calderón (Getnet Platforms, Santander Group).

Many different voices but one message: Europe’s payment infrastructure is ready — and the will to connect is growing stronger.

“The technology is already here — now it’s all about collaboration,” said José Luis Calderón, CEO of Getnet Platforms.

By working hand in hand with partners across Europe, Getnet Platforms is helping build an interoperable and truly pan-European payments network that helps people and businesses prosper.