The digital euro could foster the emergence of cross-border solutions for payments and the deployment of instant payments. It could support innovation and competition in payments and strengthen the EU's open strategic autonomy. In addition, a digital euro could meet the new payment needs of Industry 4.0. The European Central Bank (ECB) and the Commission are jointly examining, a wide range of political, legal and technical issues in relation to the possible introduction of a digital euro. The Commission wants to gather stakeholders’ views on users’ needs and expectations for the digital euro and how to make it available for retail while preserving the legal tender status of euro cash. This consultation also seeks views on the role of a digital euro for retail payments and the EU digital economy, its impact on the financial sector and financial stability, as well as aspects related to anti-money laundering rules and data protection.