Eurogroup statement on the digital euro project, 16 January 2023

Summary:

Statement adopted by ministers attending a meeting of the Eurogroup on 16 January 2023, concerning the digital euro project.

Further information:

The statement summarises the views express on the policy topics discussed by the Eurogroup concerning the digital euro project and its way forward. It also outlines the continuation of the Eurogroup involvement in this project. The discussion that led to this statement included a presentation by the President of the European Central Bank (ECB) on the design and distribution options, and a presentation by the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission on the preparatory work towards a legislative initiative.

The investigation into the possible issuance of a digital euro was launched in October 2021 following the decision by the ECB Governing Council in July 2021. This was in response to an invitation by national leaders meeting at the Euro Summit. Since then, the Eurogroup held regular exchanges of views on the key political dimensions of a digital euro. The investigation did not prejudge any future decision on the possible issuance of a digital euro.