Catenaa, Monday, December 22, 2025- The European Central Bank said it had finished technical preparations for the digital euro.
The ECB called on EU lawmakers to approve regulations for its rollout, signaling a push for a public digital payment option amid global stablecoin growth.
The project, under review by the European Council and European Parliament, is expected to launch in the second half of 2026.
ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasized that political institutions must act to enable the digital euro, which aims to serve as a stable anchor for Europe’s financial system in the digital era.
The central bank has left key eurozone interest rates unchanged, maintaining a meeting-by-meeting approach guided by economic data, inflation forecasts, and policy effectiveness.
Inflation projections show headline rates averaging 2.1% in 2025, dipping below the 2% target in 2026 and 2027, and returning to target in 2028.
Lagarde stressed that monetary policy remains flexible and focused on maintaining stability while preparing for the digital currency launch.
The digital euro could enhance payment continuity during cyberattacks or power outages, according to ECB board member Piero Cipollone.
The initiative aligns with Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations and complements other euro-backed stablecoin projects under development.
The ECB highlighted the strategic importance of adopting the digital euro promptly to maintain Europe’s leadership in the evolving digital finance landscape. Lawmakers’ timely approval is expected to allow financial institutions and consumers to access a secure, regulated digital euro alongside existing payment systems.
