The European Central Bank (ECB) has entered the next stage in developing the digital euro, a project designed to ensure Europe's currency remains fit for the digital age. The ECB's Governing Council has approved a new phase aimed at achieving the technical readiness needed for its first pilot issuance. A final decision on whether to issue the digital euro - and when - will only come after the relevant legislation is passed. According to ECB estimates, if the legal framework is adopted within the next year, a pilot program could begin in 2027, with the first potential issuance expected by 2029. The ECB emphasizes that the digital euro will preserve freedom of choice and user privacy while safeguarding Europe's monetary sovereignty and financial security. It is intended to foster innovation, strengthen resilience, and make payments across the euro area more competitive and inclusive. "The euro, our common currency, is a reliable symbol...