【环球财经】警惕对美依赖 欧洲加快数字欧元布局

Core Viewpoint - The European Central Bank (ECB) is urging the EU to accelerate the digital euro initiative to reduce reliance on non-EU tech companies in the digital payment and financial infrastructure sectors [1][2]. Group 1: Digital Euro Initiative - The ECB emphasizes that the digital euro is a key tool for enhancing Europe's digital payment autonomy and can lower business payment costs [1]. - The EU needs to establish the digital euro quickly to decrease dependence on American payment companies, which currently handle about two-thirds of credit card transactions in the EU [1]. - The ECB has been researching the digital euro since 2020, stating it will not replace cash but will coexist as a public payment option [2]. Group 2: Legislative Framework and Timeline - The digital euro-related legislation has been submitted for review by the EU Council and European Parliament, with hopes for approval by the end of 2026 [2]. - If the legal framework is approved, the ECB plans to launch a pilot project in 2027 and aims for the official issuance of the digital euro by 2029 [2]. - ECB President Christine Lagarde has called for urgent collective action from EU leaders to enhance long-term growth potential and institutional resilience in key areas like the digital euro [2].