The European Parliament has given its first preliminary approval to the digital euro project, launching the preparatory phase of the initiative. The digital euro is intended as a complementary form of central bank digital currency alongside existing payment methods, with the goal of strengthening Europe's payment autonomy and offering citizens an additional digital payment option.

The project now enters a phase in which the European institutions will define the technical and regulatory framework, while also working to inform and engage citizens on the characteristics and potential uses of the new currency. The timeline for full implementation remains to be determined and will depend on the completion of the preparatory and legislative phases.