• The digital euro’s development faces a two-year timeline, according to ECB President Christine Lagarde, addressing privacy concerns.
• Skepticism among European Parliament members remains, and privacy worries persist regarding the central bank’s digital currency project.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is charting a course towards the implementation of the digital euro, but it is now clear that the road ahead is a lengthy one. ECB President Christine Lagarde disclosed during a session with the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee that the digital euro is at least two years away from becoming a reality.

Her statement comes as a response to growing concerns regarding the Central Bank digital currency (CBDC), particularly those related to privacy. This article provides an overview of the latest developments in the digital euro project, highlighting key issues and concerns.

ECB’s Decision-Making Timeline

The ECB is poised to make pivotal decisions about the digital euro’s future in the coming weeks. However, a significant number of European Parliament members remain skeptical about the project and will ultimately need to approve its execution. President Lagarde clarified that the final decision regarding the digital euro’s fate will not come until later in October.

Even then, the journey is far from over; as Lagarde mentioned, “The pilot will probably take us another two years, at least, before it’s the final say.”

Addressing Privacy Concerns

Privacy concerns have been at the forefront of discussions surrounding the digital euro. Many fear that a digital euro could infringe on personal privacy and become a surveillance tool. To alleviate these concerns, Lagarde emphasized the need for the digital euro to offer privacy without granting full anonymity. Additionally, she stressed that the currency should be user-friendly, free, and universally accessible.

She aimed to dispel fears by stating, “If we can address all the conspiracy theories that abound about this – as if Big Brother was going to suddenly determine what you buy when you buy it and how restricted it should be – then I think it would be characterized as a success.”

Lawmakers and Privacy Legislation

ECB Board Member Fabio Panetta has been vocal about the need for lawmakers and member governments to establish privacy measures before issuing the digital euro. The challenge lies in finding the right balance between privacy and security. German centrist lawmaker Nicola Beer questioned Lagarde about this delicate equilibrium.

Furthermore, she inquired about addressing privacy concerns while implementing transaction and holding limits and identification measures. These measures aim to combat money laundering and prevent large CBDC holdings from destabilizing the commercial banking system. Beer inquired whether such safeguards might hinder the acceptance of the digital euro.

Digital Euro Legislation

Germany’s Stefan Berger, an architect of the EU’s crypto licensing law MiCA, announced last month that he would lead the digital euro’s legislative journey through the European Parliament. This choice suggests the European Parliament is keen to integrate the digital euro into the existing cryptocurrency regulatory framework. However, the digital euro will likely have its own distinct set of regulations concerning privacy and security.

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