With consumers increasingly using cashless
ways to buy things, the European Central Bank
took a step closer to issuing a digital version of
the euro currency shared by 19 countries, saying
it had to be ready to launch digital money if a
changing world requires it.
The central bank issued a comprehensive report
outlining the reasons why it might need to
take the step. The ECB also said it would hold
public consultations on the idea with citizens,
academics and bankers.
It said no decision has been made, and that
any digital euro would complement cash, not
replace it. The consultations will start Oct. 12.