Timeline and progress on a digital euro
The preparation phase of the project started in November 2023 and is laying the foundations for the potential issuance of a digital euro. This includes finalising the digital euro scheme rulebook and selecting providers that could potentially develop a digital euro platform and infrastructure. The preparation phase involves extensive testing and experimentation, as well as regular exchanges with the public and other stakeholders, to ensure that a digital euro would meet user needs and the Eurosystem's requirements.
We regularly document the progress of the project in comprehensive reports.
Progress report
How is work progressing on digital euro privacy, rulebook and design choices?
Read the full progress reportFor the media
This report summarises the progress made during the first part of the preparation phase launched in November 2023 and outlines the next steps.
Read the press releaseWant to learn more?
Read our previous progress reports
Digital euro project timeline
In October 2020 the ECB published a report on a digital euro examining the potential issuance of a central bank digital currency – a digital euro – by the Eurosystem.
Nine months later the ECB's Governing Council took the decision to launch the digital euro project. The project’s investigation phase ran from October 2021 to October 2023 and involved studying design options and distribution models in close cooperation with stakeholders such as EU policymakers and market participants. The findings formed the basis for the decision to launch the preparation phase, which started in November 2023.
View and download a high-level project timelineThe decision on whether to ultimately issue a digital euro will only be considered at a later stage, once the European Union’s legislative process has been completed.