Digital euro: get the facts
With so much information circulating, it’s natural to have questions about the digital euro and how it could affect your daily life.
Here we bring together clear, straightforward explanations so you can explore the facts, understand what the digital euro is (and isn’t) and read about the principles guiding its design.
Let’s get things straight
Your privacy comes first
We are designing the digital euro with privacy at its core. Only you and your bank would see the personal data needed for payments. Transactions would be at least as confidential as today’s digital payments – and even more in offline mode. Your data would remain in Europe and be protected by European data protection rules and safeguards.
Read more about how your privacy is protectedYou stay in control
The digital euro would be a means of payment, like the banknotes and coins in your pocket: you would decide how to spend it. It would be there for everyday payments – your money remains yours to manage.
Learn how the digital euro would workYour bank remains your point of contact
You would use the digital euro through your bank or other authorised providers – not via an ECB account. Your bank remains your point of contact, handling your enquiries and day to day payments.
Learn the central role of banks in distributing digital euroYour freedom to choose
Today, cash is the only form of central bank money available to you. Central bank money is public money: in the euro area, it is issued and backed by the ECB for everyone. The digital euro would give you the freedom to choose central bank money for digital and online payments, while cash remains available whenever you want to use it.
Read more about how we safeguard the future of cashYour digital euro is not crypto
The digital euro would be public money, and different from a crypto asset. It wouldn’t rely on volatile tokens or unregulated infrastructure. It would run on secure European technology within a fully regulated framework.
Learn how cryptocurrencies differ from central bank moneyYour legislators decide
The digital euro can only be introduced if European Union co-legislators (the European Parliament and the Council of the EU) adopt the necessary legislation, which includes making key choices about how it would work. This involves democratic debate, scrutiny and accountability, including regular discussions and hearings in the European Parliament.
Explore how we engage with EU institutionsYour voice shapes it
The digital euro is being developed with the people of Europe in mind. Members of the public, consumer groups, merchants and payment service providers have contributed to the project from the outset. Your perspectives continue to shape this work, and we are committed to openness, transparency and regular engagement as we develop the digital euro.
Explore consultation results, reports and researchYour basic payments are free
For consumers, basic digital euro payments would be free, similar to cash today. Businesses would benefit from a standardised, EU wide payment method that fosters competition and innovation, as well as from lower transaction fees.
Read more about digital euro fundamentalsSEE ALSO