European Parliament backs talks with member states on digital euro legislation

What is the digital euro?

It is a proposed electronic form of euro-denominated money that would be issued by the European Central Bank and used for digital payments, including online and, in some proposals, offline transactions infobae,ANSA.it,Euronews English.

Would the digital euro replace cash?

No. Multiple sources say the digital euro is intended to complement cash rather than replace it, and ECB President Christine Lagarde said the goal is not to eliminate cash SAPO,Euronews English,Euronews English.

What happens next before people could use it?

Parliament and EU member states now have to negotiate the final legislation. Even if they reach agreement, the ECB would still need to decide whether to issue the digital euro, with several reports pointing to 2029 as a possible availability date infobae,EL PAÍS,Deutsche Welle.