ECB weighs digital euro launch in second half of 2029 with online, offline payments

The European Central Bank is considering launching a digital euro in the second half of 2029, with plans to make it usable from the outset for all online merchants across the eurozone, some offline retail payments, and peer-to-peer transfers, according to internal ECB presentation materials. The materials indicate offline retail payments and person-to-person transfers would be designed to work regardless of internet connectivity. The ECB is also reviewing whether to add offline in-store payments, which were not included in the initial launch plan. Specific timing and the final scope of services have not yet been determined.