Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe European Central Bank (ECB) is developing a digital euro, an electronic version of public money, to offer a secure public option for digital payments and bolster EU monetary sovereignty. Formally endorsed by the European Parliament in February 2026, the project is progressing towards a potential launch in 2029, with the ECB focusing on its technical and legal infrastructure. Designed as non-bank public money, the digital euro will be issued by the ECB, providing the security of cash and the ability to function offline, unlike most current digital banking services. Privacy is a key feature, with the ECB ensuring neither governments nor central banks will have access to citizens' transaction data, offering a level of privacy comparable to physical cash. To safeguard financial stability, individual holdings will be capped at approximately €3,000, while robust security and accessibility for all Europeans, including those with limited digital skills, are crucial for its success. In fullThe digital euro is coming: A guide to the future of cash in EuropeThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
What is the digital euro? Europe’s plan for monetary sovereignty
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe European Central Bank (ECB) is developing a digital euro, an electronic version of public money, to offer a secure public option for digital payments and bolster EU monetary sovereignty. Formally endorsed by the European Parliament in February 2026, the project is progressing towards a potential launch in 2029, with the ECB focusing on its technical and legal infrastructure. Designed as non-bank public money, the digital euro will be issued by the ECB, providing the security of cash and the ability to function offline, unlike most current digital banking services. Privacy is a key feature, with the ECB ensuring neither governments nor central banks will have access to citizens' transaction data, offering a level of privacy comparable to physical cash. To safeguard financial stability, individual holdings will be capped at approximately €3,000, while robust security and accessibility for all Europeans, including those with limited digital skills, are crucial for its success. In fullThe digital euro is coming: A guide to the future of cash in EuropeThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
