ECB Officials Say Digital Euro Will Enhance Payment Autonomy, Pilot Program to Launch Next Year

On October 25 that, according to Cointelegraph, European Central Bank Executive Board member Piero Cipollone stated that the digital euro is expected to help the EU build an independent and resilient payment infrastructure, reducing reliance on non-European third-party payment service providers.

Cipollone noted that Europe has recognized the risks of over-reliance on external forces in critical sectors such as energy and defense, and the payments industry faces similar challenges. He emphasized that payment sovereignty does not mean rejecting third-party services, but rather ensuring that Europe retains the autonomy to make independent choices in vital service areas.

The European Central Bank plans to launch a digital euro pilot in 2027, testing it through actual transactions. Currently, the ECB is coordinating with 36 market operators in preparation, while also inviting e-commerce and mobile commerce operators to participate.