ECB reviews progress on digital euro rulebook

5 September 2024

The European Central Bank (ECB) today published its third report outlining the progress of the digital euro scheme Rulebook Development Group (RDG) in developing a draft digital euro rulebook, consisting of a single set of rules, practices and standards for the harmonisation of digital euro payments across the euro area.

Following the latest update from January 2024, the report provides a detailed overview of the comprehensive feedback that RDG members – representing consumers, retailers and payment service providers – gave on a preliminary draft of the digital euro rulebook, which was shared within the RDG for an interim review at the end of last year.

RDG members were invited to comment on the available sections of the draft rulebook and reflect on strategic opportunities and potential challenges related to the possible issuance of a digital euro. They provided almost 2,500 comments in total.

The ECB welcomes these valuable contributions to further develop the rulebook, which is currently being updated and complemented with additional sections. The report also provides an update on the seven new workstreams launched in May 2024 to focus on key areas of the rulebook, including minimum user experience standards and risk management, which were not included in the interim draft commented on by RDG members earlier in the year.

The draft digital euro rulebook will be sufficiently flexible to accommodate any future adjustments and will be updated in accordance with the outcome of the digital euro legislative process. A possible decision by the ECB’s Governing Council to issue a digital euro would only be taken after the legislative act has been adopted.