Gabriele PetruccianiCorriere della Sera
Actualizado
The era of cash is slowly fading, and a new era is on the horizon with the introduction of the digital euro . Spearheaded by the European Central Bank (ECB) , this project promises to revolutionize how European citizens conduct their transactions. With a vision of offering instant payments , heightened security , and a self-sufficient technological framework , the digital euro aims to diminish reliance on major international card networks.
“No more Big Brother. The digital euro is the key to European independence,” asserts Angelica Finatti , a blockchain expert and commercial director at Fideiussioni Digitali , a finance management firm. According to Finatti, the ECB’s initiative extends beyond merely digitizing currency; it signifies a paradigm shift in the dynamics between citizens, banks, and money.
As Finatti elaborates, the goal of the digital euro is to establish a secure, autonomous European infrastructure , minimizing the role of intermediaries and foreign operators. “Currently, each time we pay with a card or online, we’re reliant on private networks that facilitate those payments. The digital euro will enable transactions to occur directly within the European system without intermediaries,” she explains.
The new euro will operate through a digital wallet , an app that can be managed either by banks or by the ECB itself. This wallet will allow for immediate, secure payments , available 24/7, even outside traditional systems.
This project seeks to bolster the technological sovereignty of the continent while reducing costs associated with using non-European payment platforms. “Breaking free from international players will allow financial entities to optimize resources and lower fees that currently go to foreign companies,” Finatti reveals. While an initial investment will be necessary to adapt the infrastructure, she believes the long-term benefits will be substantial.
Additionally, the digital euro will facilitate peer-to-peer payments and offline transactions , ensuring system continuity even in the event of technical failures. “This evolution has the potential to modernize the European financial system, provided there is a clear adoption strategy and technological education,” she adds.
One of the most pressing issues at hand is the protection of privacy . Being a digital currency, transactions may be more traceable compared to cash transactions, raising concerns about potential excessive oversight . However, Finatti dismisses these anxieties: “The digital euro will uphold the highest levels of confidentiality. As Christine Lagarde , the ECB President, has emphasized, transactions will be private and secure, just like cash.”
Another challenge lies in the adaptability of financial entities . “Not all banks are ready to immediately adopt this new system,” the expert acknowledges. “If adoption isn’t widespread, the benefits might take time to materialize. Yet, in the medium term, entities can reinvent themselves as guardians of digital assets within a more modern and transparent financial ecosystem.”
Regarding concerns about potential mass surveillance , Finatti is adamant: “There is no risk of widespread control. Transactions will be secured by the same safety mechanisms as cash and will be under the supervision of the ECB.”
In summary, the introduction of the digital euro stands as an opportunity for Europe to redefine its financial landscape, offering a modern solution to an increasingly digital world. The notion of an autonomous European payment system not only addresses the need for security and privacy but also aims to stimulate local economies by minimizing dependency on external financial infrastructures. As this project unfolds, it will be crucial for stakeholders to address the challenges and apprehensions surrounding it, ultimately paving the way for a more liberated and connected European financial future.