Italian Banks Embrace Digital Euro, Seek Cost Staggering from ECB

Italian banks have expressed their support for the European Central Bank's (ECB) digital euro initiative, viewing it as crucial for digital sovereignty. However, they are advocating for the high implementation costs to be spread out over time, citing the significant capital expenditure required.

The ECB's digital euro project aims to bolster the euro's monetary sovereignty in an increasingly digital global economy and reduce reliance on non-European payment providers and stablecoins. Despite some opposition from banks in countries like France and Germany, who fear deposit drains, the project is moving forward.

Key Takeaways

• Italian banks support the digital euro for enhancing digital sovereignty.

• They request the ECB to stagger implementation costs over time due to high capital expenditure.

• The ECB's digital euro aims to maintain the relevance of central bank money and reduce reliance on foreign payment systems.

• The project is progressing, with a pilot phase planned for 2027 and a potential launch in 2029, pending EU legislation.

• A "twin approach" combining a central bank digital currency and faster-developing commercial bank digital currencies is favored.

Digital Euro Project Advancement

The European Central Bank has advanced its digital euro project to the next phase following a two-year preparation period. The Governing Council made this decision in Florence on October 29-30. The anticipated launch is set for 2029, with a pilot phase commencing in 2027. This timeline is contingent on the adoption of EU legislation, expected in 2026.

Banking Sector Concerns and Proposals

Marco Elio Rottigni, General Manager of the Italian Banking Association (ABI), stated that while banks are in favor of the digital euro, the associated costs are substantial. He proposed that these costs be spread over time to ease the burden on banks' capital expenditure. Rottigni also highlighted the importance of a "twin approach," advocating for both a central bank digital currency and the development of commercial bank digital currencies, emphasizing that Europe should not fall behind in digital innovation.

Legislative and Market Considerations

European parliament member Fernando Navarrete is leading the parliament's assessment of the digital euro. His draft report suggests a scaled-down version of the scheme to protect private payment initiatives, such as Wero, which is supported by 14 European lenders. This indicates ongoing discussions about the scope and implementation of the digital euro, balancing central bank objectives with the needs and concerns of the private banking sector.

Sources

• Italy's banks back digital euro, want costs spread over time, Dunya News.

• Italian banks back digital euro but urge ECB to spread out costs: Reuters, StartupNews.fyi.