The European Central Bank (ECB) has made one thing very clear: cash is here to stay. Speaking on behalf of the ECB, Executive Board member Piero Cipollone said that cash still plays a key role in the economy — not just for everyday payments, but also as a safe way for people to store their money.
While many people are turning to digital payments, Cipollone explained that cash continues to offer something unique — freedom, privacy, and accessibility. He said the ECB is not choosing between cash and digital. Instead, it’s working on improving both.
Cash Is Still Important in Europe
Cash may feel old-fashioned to some, but for millions of people across Europe, it is still a part of daily life. People use it to pay for groceries, give gifts, and even save for the future.
The ECB knows this. That’s why they’re working on modernising euro banknotes. This doesn’t just mean changing how they look. It also includes making them more secure, more durable, and easier for everyone to use — including people with vision difficulties.
By upgrading physical money, the ECB wants to make sure cash remains useful, practical, and available to everyone in all parts of Europe.
The Digital Euro Is Coming — But It Won’t Replace Cash
At the same time, the ECB is preparing for the digital future. Their plan? To launch a digital euro — a virtual version of money backed by the central bank. But Cipollone made one thing clear: the digital euro is not here to replace cash. It’s here to work alongside it.
The digital euro would be safe, easy to use, and accepted in any European countries. People could use it on their phones, in shops, and even when they don’t have internet. It’s made to be easy and helpful for everyday things — like shopping online or sending money to someone.
And since it’s backed by the European Central Bank, it’s not like crypto. It’s official, safe, and something people can really trust.
Why Both Cash and Digital Matter
The ECB believes people should have choices. Some want to go fully digital. Others still prefer the feeling of physical money. Many use a mix of both.
The ECB wants to make sure that everyone has a way to pay that works for them. That’s why they are keeping cash and also bringing in the digital euro. It gives people more choice and keeps things private. And also helps include those who aren’t used to digital stuff or don’t have access to it.
The Future of Money: More Choice, Not Less
As the ECB continues working on the digital euro, it’s also making sure cash stays strong. The goal isn’t to replace one with the other — it’s to offer both.
For Europe, the future of money is about balance. Cash for those who want it. Digital for those who need it. And a central bank that stands behind both.
