The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to launch a 12-month pilot program for a digital euro in the latter half of 2027, according to ECB President Christine Lagarde during the annual IMF meetings. Lagarde emphasized that the digital euro will serve as a complement to cash, enhance competition in the payment sector, and reduce Europe’s reliance on foreign payment systems. To move forward with these plans, appropriate legislation must be enacted by the end of 2026. While the potential introduction of the digital euro is projected for 2029, a final decision has yet to be made. Additionally, Lagarde highlighted the resilience of the eurozone economy, even in the face of rising inflation, which reached 3.8% in September.