Digital €uro "Cash+"

Introduction

The digital euro "Cash+" is a European Central Bank (ECB) project aimed at improving digital banking services and simplifying payments across Europe.

This project aims to create a universal, secure, and easy-to-use system that will allow citizens to access their accounts and make financial transactions online, even without an internet connection or in rural areas.

The idea is to make payments more seamless and less expensive for people, while ensuring the security and confidentiality of financial information.

The preparation phase is scheduled to be completed by October 2025, with a planned launch before 2030.

3month(s)
18day(s)
14hour(s)
5minute(s)
15second(s)
before the end of the preparation phase (source ECB)

Warnings ⚠️

  • Loss of Privacy: The widespread use of digital accounts and electronic payments could lead to increased surveillance and the collection of personal data by authorities and businesses.
  • Power Imbalance: A single, universally accepted currency could give too much power to financial institutions and the government, potentially leading to restrictive political decisions that are contrary to the public interest.
  • Access Issues: Populations without access to the internet or digital technologies could be excluded from digital currencies, leading to financial and social segregation.
  • Cyber Risk and Vulnerability: The widespread use of a digital system could expose users to significant cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, market volatility, or even extortion.
  • Overreliance on technology: An economy that relies on a digital system could be vulnerable to technical disruptions and network outages.

    • Roadmap Cash+ ECB

    • October 2025 ⚠️
      • Governing Council decision on the potential launch of the next phase
    • Q3 2025
      • Draft regulation is ready
      • Preparation of the Governing Council decision
    • Q2 2025
      • Selection of suppliers
      • Finalization of the architecture
      • Assessment of data protection impact
      • Positioning and awareness plan
      • Details of the steering and deployment approach
    • Q1 2025
      • Negotiation of purchase offers
      • Launch of activities for the second round of procurement procedures
      • Launch of planning for the next phase
    • Q4 2024
      • Evaluation and negotiation of supply offers [in 'Cash+']
    • Q3 2024
      • Sending purchase offer documentation to bidders
      • Launch of user research
    • Q2 2024
      • Launch of market discussions on the maximum allowable holding of "Cash+"
    • Q1 2024
      • Review of the regulation by Regional Directors General (RDGs)
      • Publication of the Call for Applications (CfA)
      • Finalization of supply-related requirements
    • Q4 2023
      • Implementation of the preparatory phase
      • Publication of the ECB legal opinion

    Video tutorial

    Presentation of Cash+ by Grand Angle (in french)

    (2023-07-02)

    Useful links

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