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#€ THE COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK (ECB) HAS DECIDED TO MOVE TO THE NEXT PHASE OF THE DIGITAL EURO PROJECT.
The institution has confirmed that it will only issue a digital euro once legislative approval is finalized. It stated: “The final decision of the ECB Governing Council on whether or not to issue a digital euro, and on what date, will only be made once the legislation is adopted. Assuming that the European co-legislators adopt the Regulation on the establishment of the digital euro in 2026, a pilot exercise and initial transactions could take place starting mid-2027.”
The ECB affirmed: “If the legislation is in place in 2026, a pilot exercise could start in 2027 and the Eurosystem should be ready for a potential first issuance of the digital euro in 2029.” The European Central Bank emphasized:
The entire Eurosystem should then be ready for a potential first issuance of the digital euro in 2029.
The President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde, added that the initiative reflects Europe's commitment to “make its most tangible form – the euro banknote – ready for the future,” by merging technological innovation with financial stability.
With this timeline, the ECB aims to protect monetary sovereignty and maintain competitiveness in global payment systems. The institution has also reiterated that the “preparation phase that began in November 2023 has been successfully concluded,” highlighting Europe’s determination to create a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-focused monetary framework.