What the EU is doing and why

The digital euro, a digital form of central bank money, would offer greater choice to consumers and businesses in situations where physical cash cannot be used. The digital euro would be a complement to cash, which would remain widely available and useable.

In the context of the EU’s digital transition, the digital euro could support the EU’s digital finance and retail payments strategies described above, thanks to its potential as an additional, innovative and safe means of payment.

Furthermore, the digital euro could ensure that central bank money – in both its physical and future digital form – is widely available to and accepted by users in the euro area, that it promotes accessibility and financial inclusion, and is tailored to user’s' needs, while preserving financial stability. The digital euro could also facilitate the development of pan-European and interoperable retail payment solutions, as well as promote efficiency, innovation and resilience in the EU’s digitalising economy.

Lastly, the digital euro could strengthen the international role of the euro and support the EU’s open strategic autonomy.

Frequently asked questions

What would the digital euro be?

A digital euro would be an electronic means of payment. It would be a digital version of cash, available to the general public and backed by the European Central Bank (ECB) the same way your physical banknotes and coins are. You could use it anywhere that you already use physical euro cash.

Why would we want a digital euro?

People and businesses would have another means of payment that is accessible and accepted everywhere in the euro area. It would be an electronic means of payment, available for online transactions (e.g. e-commerce) and offline ones (eg. in areas without internet connection). It would promote innovation in retail payments and reinforce the international role of the euro.

Who could use the digital euro?

It would be accessible to people, businesses, and public entities that reside or are established in a euro area Member State, on a temporary or permanent basis. Any person in the euro area could open a digital euro account if they want to, including people who do not have bank accounts. There would be no obligation to have or use digital euros if you don’t want to.

When would you be able to use the digital euro?

If the proposal for a framework for a possible digital euro is agreed upon by the European Parliament and Council, the ECB would need to take the final decision on whether to issue it. Therefore, it may still take a few years before the digital euro is issued.