European Central Bank targets 2029 for digital euro launch

The European Central Bank (ECB) is advancing its plans for a digital euro, with a target for public circulation by 2029. The project is currently transitioning from the design phase to the technical implementation phase. Between October 2025 and September 2027, the bank will focus on developing infrastructure, defining technical standards, and preparing for pilot testing. A key feature of the initiative is the support for offline payments, intended to ensure consumer privacy and maintain competitiveness with physical cash. These details were highlighted in the latest report from the Governor of the Bank of Greece. The upcoming phase also involves deeper collaboration with market participants to finalize the official rulebook. Following the technical implementation and a one-year pilot period, the full rollout is expected to proceed by 2029. The project aims to provide a secure, reliable, and widely accepted digital payment instrument across the eurozone.