Digital euro
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A digital euro would be a digital form of cash, issued by the central bank and available to everyone in the euro area.
We are working with the national central banks of the euro area to look into the possible issuance of a digital euro. It would be a central bank digital currency, an electronic equivalent to cash. And it would complement banknotes and coins, giving people an additional choice about how to pay.
Digital euro
Central bank money in digital form, available for any electronic payments in shops, online or from person to person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How would a digital euro help me? How would a digital euro be different from stablecoins and crypto-assets? Would a digital euro replace cash? Check out the answers to common questions here.
LATEST PUBLICATIONS ON A DIGITAL EURO
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The digital euro in relation to...
… crypto-assets
A digital euro would not be a cryptocurrency, since it would be backed by a central bank. Central banks have a mandate to maintain the value of money, regardless of whether it is physical or digital. Crypto-assets are not backed or managed by any central institution. You have no guarantee that you will be able to exchange them for cash when you need to.
What is bitcoin?… investments
A digital euro should mainly be used as a means of payment rather than an instrument for financial investments. We are examining this issue carefully to avoid negative consequences for the financial sector. The digital euro should be a public good that would benefit the economy and society as a whole.
The digital euro and the evolution of the financial system… pan-European payments
The way we pay is undergoing a fundamental change, and central banks have a key role to play in this process. European payments must be supported by a competitive and innovative market capable of meeting consumer demands while preserving European sovereignty. To make this happen we have set out a comprehensive payments strategy for the digital age.
Our retail payments strategyThe ECB Podcast
A digital euro: what, why, when? (part 1 & 2)
Do we need a digital euro, and why? What might it look like? And how would it differ from other means of payment? Our host Katie Ranger puts these questions to digital euro expert Evelien Witlox.
Listen to the podcast episodesThe digital euro, demystified
We are preparing for the possibility of issuing a digital euro. This is fuelling a lot of interest − and misconceptions – despite the fact that no decision has yet been taken. Our host Stefania Secola and digital euro project head Evelien Witlox debunk some myths.
Listen to the podcast episode