Crypto: The ECB steps up preparations for the digital euro
The European Central Bank is still targeting 2029 for a possible launch of the digital euro. In a speech delivered on November 5, 2026, Piero Cipollone, a member of the ECB’s Executive Board, confirmed a twelve-month pilot program starting in the second half of 2027. Thirty-six payment service providers will take part in the tests. However, the final launch will depend on the adoption of European legislation, which is expected before the end of the year.
The ECB is targeting a possible first issuance of the digital euro in 2029.
A twelve-month pilot will begin in the second half of 2027 with 36 providers.
Thirteen eurozone countries rely entirely on foreign players for in-store card payments.
The ECB maintains its 2029 launch target
Piero Cipollone confirmed the timeline on Thursday during a conference dedicated to payment infrastructures. The ECB had already announced the first stages of the digital euro project for 2027. His latest speech provides details on the conditions needed for issuance in 2029.
The timeline first depends on European institutions. The Council of the European Union adopted its position in December 2025. The European Parliament followed in July 2026. Both institutions are now negotiating with the European Commission as part of interinstitutional discussions.
The aim is still to reach an agreement before December 31. If this timeline is met, the ECB could be technically ready to issue the digital euro in 2029. However, the final decision will rest with its Governing Council, following the adoption of the regulation.
No issuance has yet been authorized. The digital euro will take the form of electronic money issued directly by the Eurosystem. Unlike private cryptocurrencies, its value would not fluctuate freely on crypto markets.
$EUR
$BCE.US
$WIF
#BCE
The European Central Bank is still targeting 2029 for a possible launch of the digital euro. In a speech delivered on November 5, 2026, Piero Cipollone, a member of the ECB’s Executive Board, confirmed a twelve-month pilot program starting in the second half of 2027. Thirty-six payment service providers will take part in the tests. However, the final launch will depend on the adoption of European legislation, which is expected before the end of the year.
The ECB is targeting a possible first issuance of the digital euro in 2029.
A twelve-month pilot will begin in the second half of 2027 with 36 providers.
Thirteen eurozone countries rely entirely on foreign players for in-store card payments.
The ECB maintains its 2029 launch target
Piero Cipollone confirmed the timeline on Thursday during a conference dedicated to payment infrastructures. The ECB had already announced the first stages of the digital euro project for 2027. His latest speech provides details on the conditions needed for issuance in 2029.
The timeline first depends on European institutions. The Council of the European Union adopted its position in December 2025. The European Parliament followed in July 2026. Both institutions are now negotiating with the European Commission as part of interinstitutional discussions.
The aim is still to reach an agreement before December 31. If this timeline is met, the ECB could be technically ready to issue the digital euro in 2029. However, the final decision will rest with its Governing Council, following the adoption of the regulation.
No issuance has yet been authorized. The digital euro will take the form of electronic money issued directly by the Eurosystem. Unlike private cryptocurrencies, its value would not fluctuate freely on crypto markets.
$EUR
$BCE.US
$WIF
#BCE
