The European Parliament has formally endorsed the European Central Bank’s (ECB) digital euro initiative, emphasizing its role in preserving monetary sovereignty and securing Europe’s payment infrastructure. The approval came through the annual ECB report, passed by 443 votes in favor, 71 against, and 117 abstentions. Amendments highlight the digital euro as essential for reducing fragmentation in retail payments and strengthening the integrity of the single market.
MEPs stressed that the ECB must maintain independence from political influence to safeguard price stability and market confidence. Johan Van Overtveldt, former Belgian finance minister, noted that central bank autonomy is critical, warning that political interference historically leads to inflation, financial instability, and political turmoil.
Digital Euro as Public Good and Geopolitical Hedge
The resolution reaffirms that both digital and physical euros will remain legal tender, while framing the digital euro as a public good. ECB executive board member Piero Cipollone emphasized that Europe needs a retail payment system fully under local control to reduce reliance on foreign providers and private stablecoins.
Economists and policy experts have warned that without a strong public option, private digital currencies and foreign payment systems could dominate Europe’s payments landscape, increasing vulnerabilities during economic or geopolitical crises. The parliamentary support signals momentum for the digital euro as a tool for financial stability, European sovereignty, and long-term public interest.
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