Lagarde Pushes Digital Euro, Calls for Regulation by End of 2026

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde renewed support for a digital euro during IMF meetings, presenting the project as part of Europe's effort to preserve financial autonomy.

Lagarde described the proposed digital euro as a digital counterpart to cash for retail payments, with efficiency among its intended benefits.

She said adopting the regulation needed to establish the digital euro by the end of 2026 would be essential to moving the initiative forward. That deadline concerns the legal framework, rather than a stated launch date.