EU finance ministers will discuss digital euro, an alternative to dominant payment systems, to reduce dependence on external providers.

Discussions regarding the digital euro have been ongoing for six years, but have recently intensified in the context of the EU's desire to strengthen its strategic autonomy. Spanish Finance Minister Carlos Cuerpo emphasized the importance of having its own digital payment system to reduce dependence on external providers. Although political support for the digital euro is widespread, the European Parliament has not yet adopted the necessary legislation. The ECB hopes to finalize political decisions by the beginning of next year, with the launch of the currency expected to take two to three years. European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis highlighted the need for a European payment system, while some member states have national systems that are not accepted throughout the EU.