The European Parliament has advanced the digital euro project, with negotiations underway following a strong mandate. The European Central Bank has introduced the Pontes platform to facilitate tokenized asset settlements, with retail pilots scheduled for 2027. While technical discussions focus on privacy and banking limits, analysts argue the project serves as essential geoeconomic infrastructure. As global financial systems increasingly function as tools of power, Europe faces vulnerabilities due to its reliance on foreign payment schemes and American technology. Unlike the United States, which leverages private stablecoins to extend dollar influence, or China, which promotes state-led digital rails to bypass traditional systems, Europe seeks a public-money approach. Experts warn that without a strategy to project influence, the digital euro risks becoming a defensive shield rather than a tool to secure European economic sovereignty in an era of transactional international relations.
Source : Daily Sabah
Photo : Daily Sabah
