The European Central Bank has decided to move forward with the next phase of the digital euro project, establishing a timeline that depends on legislative approval within the European Union. If the legal framework is approved in 2026, the ECB will begin a pilot program in mid-2027 and prepare for a potential initial issuance of the digital euro in 2029. The goal is to offer a modern and secure alternative to cash, with instant payments available at all times through digital devices.

The initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s autonomy in payment systems, reducing reliance on external technology platforms and creating a public digital infrastructure backed by the central bank. During the pilot phase, the ECB will work with banks, merchants and consumers to ensure smooth integration, usability, safety and privacy.

The project’s estimated cost is around €1.3 billion through 2029, with operating expenses of approximately €320 million annually after launch. While the effort has strong institutional support, parts of the banking sector have expressed concerns about potential effects on deposits and financial intermediation. The ECB maintains that the system will be designed to safeguard financial stability and complement, rather than replace, cash.