Digital euro - frequently asked questions

We are increasingly making payments digitally and so the European Central Bank, together with the other central banks of the euro area, is considering whether we need to have the euro in a digital form as well as in paper banknotes and coins.

The euro in digital form would also be issued by the central bank, and would be accessible to everyone in the euro area and generally accepted as a means of payment.

No final decision has been taken about issuing a digital euro, but the idea has been researched and analysed since 2021. Discussions on the possible characteristics and functionality of a digital euro have involved various market participants, the public, and policymakers.

Many central banks around the world are considering similar questions.

Published 28.06.2023.