Browsing: Digital Euro

A new ECB presentation highlights Europe’s plans for a digital euro, DLT settlement and cross-border payment interlinking as part of a wider effort to modernise central bank money.

A growing number of economists, banks and consumer groups argue that the digital euro lacks a defined purpose and could introduce new risks to Europe’s financial system.

Europe’s shift to digital payments, dependence on foreign card networks and the rise of stablecoins have strengthened the ECB’s case for launching a secure, public digital euro.

ECB supervisor Pedro Machado told investors the digital euro is needed to keep central bank money at the core of Europe’s system as stablecoins and tokenised deposits expand.

A new ECB technical annex reveals how the digital euro could reshape Europe’s payment landscape, with clearer rules on fees, privacy, and cross border acceptance.

The ECB argues that the digital euro will extend cash into the digital economy, protect privacy, support banks and reduce Europe’s dependence on foreign payment providers.

In a recent ECB podcast interview, Piero Cipollone detailed how the digital euro will work, why it will not replace cash, and when pilots and legislation are expected to move forward.

A new BIS study shows that nearly half of Austrian consumers intend to adopt a digital euro, with security protections and cost incentives emerging as the strongest motivators.

An ECB adviser has challenged the feasibility of a retail digital euro limited to offline use only, marking a fresh divergence with some European Parliament members who favour such a design.

The ECB has completed the preparation phase of the digital euro, selecting private-sector partners and finalising its rulebook. Lawmakers are expected to decide on legislation in 2026, paving the way for pilot testing.