Germans Express Openness to Digital Euro Despite Lack of Familiarity

• 50% of Germans open to using digital euro as additional payment option.
• 60% of respondents unaware of digital euro; 25% definitely not interested.
• Privacy top concern for digital euro users, followed by European infrastructure.
• Digital euro to protect privacy and allow offline transactions, per ECB.
• Preparation phase for digital euro completion in October 2025.
• First payments with digital euro expected in 2028 at the earliest.

Summary :
Half of Germans surveyed expressed openness to using the digital euro, despite many being unfamiliar with it. The survey conducted by Deutsche Bundesbank found that 50% of respondents could envision using the digital euro as an additional payment option. However, three in five participants admitted to never having heard of the digital euro. Among those who were aware of it, a quarter were unsure of its nature, while others believed it to be a cryptocurrency or a replacement for cash. Only 17% correctly identified it as a form of central bank-issued digital money. Privacy was a top concern for respondents, with over three-quarters emphasizing the importance of enhanced privacy compared to existing digital payment methods. Additionally, respondents valued the digital euro being based on European infrastructure and government-issued like cash, with the ability to make offline payments. The European Central Bank (ECB) has stated that transaction details for the digital euro would be known only to the payer and payee. The digital euro is currently in a preparation phase, set to be completed by October 2025, focusing on finalizing rules and identifying potential issuers. The ECB aims to enable initial payments with the digital euro by 2028 at the earliest.

Sources :

- CoinTelegraph