The adopted text says the European Central Bank’s (ECB) independence is essential for it to execute its main role of keeping prices stable. MEPs say the ECB must be able to make decisions free from political pressure. At the same time, Parliament recognises that while central banks require strong independence, they should remain accountable and not operate in isolation. The text also supports the solidarity expressed by the ECB and central banks worldwide with the US Federal Reserve.

Cash and crypto

Acknowledging ongoing work on the introduction of the digital euro, which the text says is essential to strengthening EU monetary sovereignty, reducing fragmentation in retail payments, and supporting the integrity and resilience of the single market. It also stresses the importance of maintaining the role of cash. MEPs say the increasing digitalisation of payments, if left exclusively to private and non-EU actors, risks creating new forms of exclusion for both users and merchants,…