ECB Digital Euro: Official launch by October 2025

• Digital euro launch by ECB.
• Technical challenges of CBDC.
• Modernization of payment systems.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has stepped up preparations for the launch of the digital euro, with the preparation phase expected to be completed by October 2025. The initiative, which aims to modernize the eurozone's payments system, faces technical challenges and questions about its reliability, but the ECB assures that the project is in good hands.

The digital euro is the ECB's project to introduce a central bank digital currency (CBDC), the aim of which is to develop a fast and secure electronic payment instrument to complement the euro. The issuance would be the responsibility of the European System of Central Banks of the Eurozone.

In a recent statement, ECB President Christine Lagarde expressed all yours confidence in the project and highlighted the collaboration with the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission in order to move forward with the digital euro project.

The implementation of the digital euro represents an important step towards the modernisation of the European financial system, offering a digital alternative to physical cash and facilitating instant and secure transactions. However, the ECB needs to overcome technical challenges and ensure public trust for the project to be successful.

ECB Proposes Digital Euro to Respond to Trump's Stablecoins

Concerns about European financial autonomy have gained momentum following recent statements by European Central Bank (ECB) board member Piero Cipollone on the need to launch a digital euro. This positioning comes in reaction to former US President Donald Trump's move to step up the global expansion of dollar-linked stablecoins.

The executive order signed by Trump supports “the sovereignty of the United States dollar, including through actions to promote the development and growth of legal and legitimate dollar-backed stablecoins around the world.” According to Cipollone, this initiative would have the potential to attract customers and services outside the European banking system, directly impacting the competitiveness of eurozone banks.