Introductory statement by Fabio Panetta, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament

Brussels, 4 September 2023

It is a pleasure to be back here to speak before this Committee.

It has been an honour to steer the digital euro project and to discuss it with you every step of the way. Our first hearing took place back in October 2020^[1] when the ECB published its very first report on a digital euro^[2], well before we decided to officially launch the digital euro investigation phase in October 2021.

We have made considerable progress since then, as can be seen in the many reports and studies we have shared with you. We have made those reports public, enabling citizens and interested stakeholders alike to keep up to date with our investigation.^[3] And during the eight hearings I have attended before this Committee, we have discussed 110 of your questions.^[4]

Your questions, comments and views – as well as your…