The European Central Bank (ECB) published a letter from President Christine Lagarde to a Member of the European Parliament setting out recent survey evidence on public trust in the ECB and attitudes towards the digital euro, and outlining plans to step up communication as the project progresses. Lagarde cited the European Commission’s Eurobarometer survey showing trust in the ECB at its highest level in more than 15 years and support for the euro at an all-time high, with 81% of euro area citizens backing the single currency. On the digital euro, she referenced an ECB working paper indicating that awareness rose from less than 20% of consumers in 2022 to around 40% in 2024, while the share of respondents likely to use a digital euro increased from 28% to 45% over the same period. The ECB plans to intensify outreach in coordination with Eurosystem national central banks, continue publishing project updates, maintain regular dialogue with civil society, and gather user preference insights to shape features. The letter also linked growing public interest to the adoption of the proposed Digital Euro Regulation and said the ECB stands ready to provide technical support to the legislative discussions and engage with the European Parliament’s negotiating team.
European Central Bank 2025-05-16
European Central Bank reports growing public awareness of the digital euro and will intensify outreach
The European Central Bank (ECB) released a letter from President Christine Lagarde to a Member of the European Parliament, highlighting increased public trust in the ECB and support for the euro, as shown by the European Commission’s Eurobarometer survey. Awareness and potential usage of the digital euro have risen significantly, prompting the ECB to enhance communication efforts and engage with stakeholders. The ECB is prepared to support legislative discussions on the proposed Digital Euro Regulation.