Joint statement by the European Commission and the European Central Bank on their cooperation on a digital euro

In a joint statement issued on 19 January 2021, the European Commission and the European Central Bank (ECB) announced their commitment to ensure a strong and vibrant European digital finance sector and a well-integrated payments sector to respond to the emergence of crypto-assets and new payment needs in Europe. To this end, the ECB is exploring the possibility of issuing a digital euro, to compliment cash and payment solutions provided by the private sector.

Following the public consultation on 12 January 2021 and a period of preparatory work, the ECB is considering whether to start a digital euro project towards mid-2021. Such a project would answer key design and technical questions and equip the ECB with the necessary tools to issue a digital euro. Together, the ECB and the Commission are reviewing a broad range of policy, legal and technical questions concerning the possible introduction of a digital euro, taking into account their respective mandates and independence provided for in the Treaties.

The Commission becomes first Chair of INATBA’s Governmental Advisory Board

On 21 January 2021, the INATBA Governmental Advisory Board (GAB) appointed the Commission as its first Chair for the duration of one year. Together with newly appointed co-chairs Canada and the Republic of San Marino, the Commission will develop a work program to stimulate global regulatory dialogues. The European Blockchain Partnership is a member of the INATBA GAB and can propose items for its work program.

News from the European Blockchain Observatory and Forum

After publishing reports on the latest developments in the EU Blockchain Ecosystem, the European Blockchain Observatory and Forum will host an online workshop to debate the findings of these reports at the end of February 2021. Registration for this event will open shortly. Subscribe to the European Blockchain Observatory and Forum to stay informed and browse the presentations from previous events, including the January 2021 workshop on Regulation on Markets in Crypto-assets, at: https://www.eublockchainforum.eu/events.