ECB warns digital euro launch could slip past 2029 without bill this year

Piero Cipollone, a European Central Bank executive board member, warned the digital euro’s expected 2029 launch could be delayed if related legislation is not passed by year-end, Odaily reported. Cipollone urged the European Union to reach agreement on the bill by the end of this year, saying legislative delays could deepen Europe’s reliance on overseas payment service providers. The ECB plans to prepare for a 2029 issuance if the bill passes this year, while the governing council will decide whether and when to proceed with the actual launch after the legislation is approved. The ECB also plans to run a 12-month digital euro pilot starting in the second half of 2027.