Europe starts test for digital euros: cautious steps to the future!

Europe starts test for digital euros: cautious steps to the future!

Niederlande, Europa - The European Central Bank (ECB) started the test phase for digital wallets in several European banks in May 2025. The digital euro that is being developed to strengthen the monetary sovereignty of Europe could be introduced at the earliest in 2028. This development is a response to the growing dependence on non-European providers in payment transactions, as it became visible at the 2024 World Cup, for example, when tickets could only be paid for with means of payment from companies from China or the USA.

The test phase, which has been running since the beginning of May 2025, is supported by banks from several EU countries, especially in the Netherlands. There, banks such as ING, ABN AMRO and Rabobank offer digital wallets to test the acceptance and practicality of the digital euro. The credit in these wallets is limited to a maximum of 3,000 euros to protect the traditional banking system and prevent large capital outflows.

goals and advantages of the digital euro

The digital euro should not only represent a public counter model to US providers such as PayPal or Apple Pay, but also complement cash. Participation in this is voluntary. At the same time, the ECB ensures that the use of classic bank accounts and cash remains possible. A legal basis for the digital euro is expected in early 2026, followed by a Europe -wide introduction that could take place "two to three years later".

A central advantage of the digital euro lies in the promotion of financial inclusion and ensuring data protection in payments, both online and offline. The ECB director Piero Cipollone emphasizes that the digital euro will make digital payments easier for consumers and create new business opportunities for dealers. This could also improve the negotiation position of banks to international providers.

further development steps

The project is currently in an important phase after the examination phase began in 2021. The establishment of a stable infrastructure and the development of regulations for uniform standards are further steps that the ECB is planning. Detailed user research is intended to promote the acceptance of the digital euro, whereby the first results are expected in the summer of 2025.

The introduction of the digital euro is considered crucial for the future of Europe. It promises not only an increase in financial sovereignty, but also a competitive payments in the EU. The ECB relies on close coordination between the legislators and the central bank to enable the necessary investments and steps that are necessary for the successful introduction of the digital euro.

The first feedback from trade show that there is a cautious optimism, but there is also the need for clearer requirements for implementing and using digital wallets. European banks are therefore facing an exciting but also challenging future in which the digital euro could play a central role.