Europe handles digital money as it strives to counter U.S. and China's technology dominance

February 17, 2023: -The European Central Bank works on a digital currency as the region protects itself from issues with China and the U.S.

The central bank started searching for the feasibility of a digital euro in October 2021. With this decrease, the heads of state across the E.U. will have to decide if the ECB should push ahead with the following steps, which include testing the necessary technical deals so Europeans can spend digital euros.

“The ECB is worried that the eurozone will end up in a geopolitical and the sandwich position in the economy amid the big tech firm of the USA and China’s payment systems without a digital euro. Currently, Europe lacks digital areas,” Guido Zimmermann, senior economist at German bank LBBW, told on Wednesday.

In November, ECB President Christine Lagarde acknowledged that point during a speech. “The entry of big technologies into payments could surge the risk of market ruling and dependence on foreign payment technologies, with the trials for Europe’s strategic autonomy,” she stated.

“Currently, more than two-thirds of European card payment transactions are run by firms with headquarters outside the European Union,” she further said.

Mastercard, PayPal, Alipay and UnionPay create the top global payment companies. The initial three are American, and the last two are Chinese. None of them is European.

Zimmermann said that politicians in Europe want consumers or firms in the region to remain independent of U.S. Big Tech companies for payments.

He added that European officials are trying to avoid a situation in which China is becoming the sole determinant of the costs of the “Digital Silk Road”, a landmark Chinese project to invest in digitalization worldwide.

“The aim, I think it is a fixation for a few, of ensuring the sovereignty or power of the E.U., is the main person who drives for the digital euro in Brussels, and in Frankfurt,” Daniel Gros, a differentiated fellow at the think tank CEPS stated.

Editor's Choice

Posts You Might Like

A Resilient & Innovative Leader | Maushum Basu

Maushum Basu is a visionary leader who inspires his team with a clear, compelling purpose. Unafraid to take calculated risks, he understands that growth often stems from change and innovation. His deep commitment to both Airia Brands, Inc.

Directing with Courage & Precision | Martin Paquette

When speaking with Martin Paquette, one thing is immediately apparent: he’s honest. His transparency is refreshing. While many shy away from such vulnerability, Paquette sees it as a force to reckon with. The incredible emotional intelligence speaks to years of looking within—it’s also what allows him to acknowledge his mistakes gracefully and use them as opportunities to innovate.

An Innovative Thinker | Marina Charriere

Marina Charriere, CEO of Star Drug Testing Services, Star Drug Testing Services (Windsor Park), and First Defence Face Masks go hand in hand. Star is a drug and alcohol testing facility, and First D F M is a face mask company.

A Pioneer of Food Technology | Lejjy Gafour

Lejjy Gafour, CEO, CULT Food Science Corp. Lejjy is a self-taught entrepreneur and experienced company operator who made his start creating opportunities at the young age of 14, and he has been working, leading, and building businesses ever since.

The-corporate-magazine-15

Leave us a message

Subscribe

Fill the form our team will contact you

Advertise with us

Fill the form our team will contact you​