**European Central Bank Proposes Unified Digital Ledger**

A European Central Bank (ECB) official has floated the idea of a "European ledger"—a unified blockchain platform for digital assets and money across Europe. ECB executive board member Piero Cipollone highlighted that Europe's traditional capital markets are fragmented, but a unified digital platform could streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

- Over 60% of EU banks are exploring distributed ledger technology (DLT), with 22% already using it.

- DLT could reduce costs and enable 24/7 operations by integrating negotiation, settlement, and custody on one platform.

- Cipollone emphasized the need for central bank money to remain a stability cornerstone in a DLT-based market.

While a unified ledger could boost financial stability and integration, it might also stifle innovation. The ECB continues to explore DLT transaction settlements with central bank money, aiming to avoid long-term inefficiencies.