ECB warns that legislative delays could postpone the digital euro

ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone told European lawmakers on 10 November that delayed adoption of the Single Currency Package could push back the digital euro. A possible first-issuance date can be set only after the regulation is adopted; the currency has not launched.

Cipollone asked for negotiations to conclude in time for adoption by the end of 2026. He said the legal framework is needed to complete the design and rulebook, even as technical preparations continue. This is a warning about dependencies in the timetable, rather than an announcement that lawmakers have cancelled the project or that a launch date has already been moved.

The ECB plans a pilot from the second half of 2027 involving Eurosystem staff, participating payment providers and selected merchants. Its beta currency would have no legal-tender status. The same speech supports keeping physical cash available and accepted, placing the proposed digital form alongside banknotes and coins. For users, a planned test, an adopted law and a public currency rollout remain separate stages.