European Central Bank outlines comprehensive strategy for digital euro implementation, targeting first issuance by 2029 with pilot exercises beginning in 2027.
The European Central Bank (ECB) announced its comprehensive digital euro strategy on December 9, 2025, detailing plans to develop a digital currency that complements physical cash while addressing Europe’s strategic technological independence. The proposed digital euro will be designed to work both online and offline, offering privacy protections and providing a European-owned digital payment solution across the euro area.
ECB leaders Piero Cipollone and Valdis Dombrovskis emphasized the initiative’s importance, highlighting that the digital euro will reduce dependency on non-European payment providers. The project depends on legislative adoption in 2026, with potential pilot exercises scheduled to commence in mid-2027. “The digital euro is an idea whose time has come,” the authors noted, positioning the currency as a critical step in Europe’s technological evolution.
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🧭 FAQs
• When will the digital euro be available? Potential issuance targeted for 2029, with pilot exercises starting in 2027.
• How many countries will use the digital euro? 21 euro area countries, including Bulgaria joining in 2026.
• Will physical cash be replaced? No, the digital euro is designed to complement, not replace, existing cash.
• What is the primary goal? Enhance European strategic autonomy in digital payments.