News ยท Regulation & Policy
A pilot using real transactions is scheduled for next year with 36 market operators as Brussels negotiates legislation.
Key point 1 of 3
01
ECB board member Piero Cipollone stated the digital euro will protect EU payment sovereignty against dependency on external third parties .
Key point 2 of 3
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A pilot using real transactions by central bank staff is set for next year, collaborating with 36 market operators .
Key point 3 of 3
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Two-thirds of euro-area card transactions are currently governed by non-European companies, according to Cipollone .
Context
The ECB has spent years exploring central bank digital currency designs to modernize euro-denominated settlement while reducing structural exposure to foreign card networks.
Why it matters
European payment networks and banks could see unified domestic rails, while foreign card providers may face state-backed competition across retail payments.
What to watch
European Union lawmakers concluding negotiations on the digital euro regulatory framework by the end of the year.
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