The digital euro, demystified

Will we soon pay with a digital euro? Would it replace cash? And who is it for? Although no decision has been made on issuance, we are preparing for a possible digital euro. This is fuelling a lot of interest − and quite a few misconceptions.

Join our host Stefania Secola and her guest Evelien Witlox, head of the ECB’s digital euro project, as they set the record straight by busting some myths on the topic.

The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank.

Published on 24 October 2023 and recorded on 19 October 2023.

In this episode:

00:20 – Digitalisation in payments

The world is becoming increasingly digital, and the way we pay is no exception. To ensure our euro is future-proof, the ECB has decided to proceed with a digital euro preparation phase.

01:28 – The project moves ahead

What does the decision to move to the next phase mean? Will we soon be able to pay with a digital euro?

04:01 – The need for a digital euro

I can already pay digitally with my bank card, my phone or even my watch. What’s the difference between doing this and paying with a digital euro?

06:25 – Digital euro and cash

What about euro cash? Will a digital euro replace banknotes and coins?

09:35 – Who will use it?

Is a digital euro only for young people in big cities? Will it exclude people who don’t have a phone?

10:34 – Data and the digital euro

Will the ECB collect personal data when you pay with the digital euro and if so, for what purpose?

12:51 – The project team

Who’s involved in the digital euro project? Is the ECB doing all this alone?

15:20 – Our guest’s hot tip

Additional material:

Press release: Eurosystem proceeds to next phase of digital euro project

https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2023/html/ecb.pr231018~111a014ae7.en.html

Digital euro hub page

https://www.ecb.europa.eu/paym/digital_euro/html/index.en.html

Webpage: Why do we need a digital euro

https://www.ecb.europa.eu/paym/digital_euro/why-we-need-it/html/index.en.html

The ECB Podcast: A digital euro: what, why, when? (part 1)

https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/tvservices/podcast/html/ecb.pod221015_episode41.en.html

The ECB Podcast: A digital euro: what, why, when? (part 2)

https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/tvservices/podcast/html/ecb.pod221019_episode42.en.html'

European Central Bank

http://www.ecb.europa.eu/