欧洲央行加速数字欧元计划，2029年或正式启用

Core Points - The European Central Bank (ECB) is preparing to accelerate its digital euro project, aiming for a formal launch in 2029, contingent on timely legal frameworks [1][2] - ECB officials will decide on continuing the foundational work for the digital euro at a meeting in Florence, following the end of the current two-year preparation phase [1] - ECB President Christine Lagarde and other officials emphasize the importance of this project for enhancing Europe's strategic autonomy in the current environment [1] Group 1 - The ECB's push for the digital euro is driven by concerns over the current retail payment market's heavy reliance on American companies like Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal [1] - There is urgency surrounding the digital euro due to fears that US-backed stablecoins could gain a foothold in Europe [1] - The ECB's two-year preparation phase was initiated in 2023, with hopes that necessary regulations for the digital currency could be established during this period [2] Group 2 - Political obstacles remain a significant challenge for the digital euro's implementation, with the European People's Party (EPP) advocating for private sector-led alternatives [2] - Despite these challenges, the pressure to break the legislative deadlock is increasing due to the risks associated with external dependencies in the payment sector [2] - ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone indicated that mid-2029 could be a reasonable estimate for the digital euro's launch, setting a clear benchmark for market expectations [2]