The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to provide more details about its plans for a digital euro. However, ECB board member Fabio Panetta has cautioned against having high expectations initially. He emphasized that the digital euro will not be able to meet all expectations from day one. The ECB plans to have a two-year investigative phase to determine the core features of the digital euro. The goal is to design a digital currency that is immediately useful and can be further developed within a reasonable time frame. A task force is actively exploring use cases and design options for the digital euro.Jens Weidmann, the President of the Bundesbank, has expressed cautious criticism regarding the digital euro. He suggests a gradual approach, starting with essential features and addressing important use cases, and later incorporating additional functions. Weidmann also highlights the challenge of providing the same level of anonymity as physical cash, emphasizing the need for traceability to combat illegal activities.The ECB decided to explore the digital euro project further in July, entering a two-year investigation phase followed by a three-year implementation phase. The aim is to respond to global digital currency developments while remaining competitive against private digital currencies like Bitcoin and Facebook’s Diem.There are still several details regarding the digital euro that remain unclear. Citizens are likely to receive digital wallets or apps from banks to store digital euros, although the specific details are undecided. The ECB is considering technical options and is leaning away from blockchain, favoring existing systems like Italy’s TIPS. Potential upper limits on digital euros per wallet, such as 3,000 euros, have been suggested to prevent a mass withdrawal scenario.Concerns within the ECB Council involve the potential disempowerment of European monetary institutions by digital currencies from foreign companies, particularly American ones. Some urge a swift European response, while others emphasize security over speed and the need for a thorough examination of the effects on the banking system.An ECB survey raised concerns about anonymity, but assurances have been given that the digital euro is intended to complement rather than replace cash. However, potential displacement in everyday transactions cannot be ruled out.

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Information	Details
Geography	Europe
Countries	🇮🇹
Sentiment	neutral
Relevance Score	1
People	Fabio Panetta, Ulrich Bindseil, Jens Weidmann
Companies	Bundesbank, Bitcoin, TIPS, Facebook’s Diem, European Central Bank (ECB)
Currencies	Euro, Chinese Yuan, facebook’s diem, Bitcoin
Securities	None