BRUSSELS, Belgium: EU lawmakers backed plans on Tuesday for a digital euro, a project that has split the bloc but has gained greater urgency as Europe seeks to bolster its financial sovereignty.
Lawmakers voted in favour of two amendments to an annual report on the European Central Bank (ECB), expressing support for the introduction of the digital currency.
The electronic version of the money used in the 21-nation currency area would be available to use free of charge in shops, online or from person to person.
“The introduction of a digital euro... is essential to strengthen EU monetary sovereignty, reduce fragmentation in retail payments and support the integrity and resilience of the single market,” one of the amendments said, approved by 438 lawmakers with 158 against. First suggested by the ECB, the project has been some six years in the making.
The EU executive formally proposed a digital euro in June 2023 but any law to make it a reality needs the support of member states and European lawmakers.
EU countries in December gave their green light, putting pressure on lawmakers to grant their formal approval too.
Tuesday´s vote is only an expression of support at this stage but shows where lawmakers currently stand on an issue that has divided Europe.
