Deutsche Börse CEO Stephan Leithner is pushing for a permanent digital euro to strengthen the EU’s financial autonomy.
In a policy paper, he proposes shifting from a Capital Markets Union to a Savings and Investments Union, with a central bank digital currency (CBDC) at its core.
Leithner sees a digital euro as key to modernizing Europe’s financial system, improving transaction efficiency, and reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar. He urges collaboration between the European Central Bank and national regulators to integrate digital payments seamlessly.
He also calls for aligning financial regulations like MiCA and DORA to enhance the euro’s global competitiveness. While his paper outlines strategic goals, it lacks specifics on implementation. Meanwhile, banks like Standard Chartered continue expanding into digital asset services.
Beyond financial efficiency, Leithner argues that a digital euro could help establish the EU as a leader in digital finance. He stresses the importance of developing “cash on ledger” and programmable payment systems, which could create a more interconnected and resilient financial infrastructure for the region.
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