ECB to Launch Digital Euro Pilot in H2 2027; Legislation Remains Key Hurdle - BigGo Finance

The European Central Bank (ECB) has laid out a concrete timeline for the introduction of the Digital Euro, its central bank digital currency (CBDC). Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, announced on the 17th at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings that the bank plans to begin a 12-month Digital Euro pilot program in the second half of 2027. "We are preparing a Digital Euro that complements cash for everyday payments," Lagarde said. "The Digital Euro will foster innovation and competition in the retail payments market." She added that "the coexistence of public and private payment instruments will strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy.