The ECB confirmed that it is beginning a two-year investigation into the digital euro, with sights set on a 2026 launch. *The digital euro will play a role in safeguarding European sovereignty – in digital, monetary and economic terms. It will ensure autonomy over the financial flow within the European Union, making Europe independent from private players outside of the EU. Covid-19 has shown it is important that certain critical infrastructures – including payments – are provided by public local authorities. *Issue of acceptance – even if the digital euro was available to everyone, would they use it?