ECB's Cipollone outlines digital euro timeline: pilot 2027, launch 2029

On 8 February 2026, ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone said the planned digital euro is a cash-like public money for everyday use, including offline. He noted it will not launch before legislation is in place, with a pilot slated for 2027 and a possible rollout around 2029. Safeguards include holding caps, no interest and privacy protections.