The European Central Bank is reassessing its digital euro strategy, exploring the use of public blockchains such as Ethereum and Solana amidst new regulatory frameworks.
Public Blockchain Consideration
On August 23, 2025, ECB officials reported the potential use of public blockchains for the digital euro, which was initially thought to operate on a private blockchain due to privacy concerns. This reconsideration follows the enactment of the U.S. stablecoin law.
Influence of Global CBDC Trends
The EU’s exploration of CBDC aligns with global trends, with nations like China and Nigeria already advancing their own CBDCs. For instance, China’s e-CNY recorded $986 billion in transactions by June 2024.
Outlook and Comments
ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasized the importance of engaging with stakeholders to understand citizens’ needs. The final decision regarding the digital euro technology is anticipated by October 2025. The current openness to public blockchains may influence the integration and trust levels in digital currencies.
The ECB's consideration of public blockchains for the digital euro highlights the shifting regulatory landscape and opportunities for the future of digital currencies, potentially impacting trust in digital asset systems.