When European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde announced on December 18 that the digital euro is technically “ready,” the statement sounded procedural. When European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde announced on December 18 that the digital euro is technically “ready,” the statement sounded procedural. Responsibility has now been formally handed to the European Parliament and Council to decide whether Europe will actually deploy a central bank digital currency. Lagarde framed the digital euro as “an anchor of stability for the financial system in the digital age.” That phrasing matters. Without legislation, there is no mandate to issue, distribute, or govern a digital euro.

Source: dna December 31, 2025 10:53 UTC