PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has published its Digital Euro Cost Study, estimating the introduction of a digital euro will cost €18 billion, primarily impacting local retail banks. Commissioned by various European banking associations, the study highlights a key argument from Bitcoin advocates: why not utilize Bitcoin instead? Unlike a central bank digital currency (CBDC), Bitcoin offers lower costs, faster transactions, and enhanced security, making it a familiar choice in modern finance. The European Central Bank (ECB) believes a digital euro could strengthen Europe’s financial autonomy, especially as cash usage declines. However, local banks worry about the financial burden of this transition. PwC suggests the ECB should provide a clear compensation model to alleviate these concerns. Bitcoin proponents argue that a CBDC is unnecessary, as Bitcoin's fixed supply and decentralized nature offer advantages over government-controlled currencies. As major financial institutions embrace crypto, Bitcoin continues to thrive, with projects like Bitcoin Hyper and Best Wallet emerging to enhance its ecosystem. Read more AI-generated news on: https://app.chaingpt.org/news