Europeans Are Reluctant to Adopt the Digital Euro

A survey of 19,000 people across eleven European nations reveals the digital euro is struggling to gain traction.

Only 27% of respondents would allocate even a fraction of a €10,000 gift to the digital euro, while a whopping 82% would prefer to keep it in a bank account.

These numbers confirm that cash, savings, and traditional deposits still reign supreme in everyday financial habits.

For a non-trivial fraction of consumers the possibility of adoption seems quite far-fetched and many of them display a strong preference towards another (existing) payment method that is already perceived to meet their needs. This finding also suggests that convincing some users of the value added of a CBDC might pose a challenge for policymakers, and more research will certainly be needed in this area,

study reads.

Barriers to Digital Euro Adoption

The digital euro is facing skepticism, primarily because it does not offer significant advantages over established payment solutions. Many consumers continue to trust bank transfers, card payments, and cash, seeing them as more reliable and intuitive compared to a CBDC.

Additional concerns such as transaction security, privacy risks, accessibility, and potential costs further contribute to the hesitation among European users.

The International CBDC Debate: Adoption vs Caution

As discussions around CBDCs gain traction, the conversation is no longer confined to Europe—it has become a global issue.

In the U.S., opinions are divided. Some analysts believe CBDCs could improve payment infrastructure, ensuring faster, more secure transactions. Others remain skeptical, citing concerns over privacy, oversight, and potential government overreach.

During a Congressional hearing, Representative Tom Emmer voiced strong opposition, labeling CBDCs as “un-American” and warning against their potential to expand government control over financial systems.

The global debate on digital currencies goes beyond government policies, drawing in financial analysts, economists, and corporate leaders.

Among the most vocal advocates are major exchange executives. Stephan Leithner, CEO of Deutsche Börse, believes that integrating the digital euro could play a crucial role in enhancing the region’s financial independence and driving structural reforms in payment networks.

Related: Digital Euro to Launch in October 2025: ECB President Christine Lagarde

The Digital Euro’s Battle for Relevance

As global digital currency competition intensifies, the ECB faces the challenge of making the digital euro a compelling alternative.

Skepticism persists, but experts acknowledge the transformative potential of digital assets. Evolving technologies could reshape payments, making transactions faster and safer than current electronic systems—even when operating under CBDC regulations.

To compete with traditional payment systems, the digital euro needs more than just strong infrastructure—it requires public trust.

Research suggests that short-form videos and media content can dramatically boost awareness and acceptance. That’s why banks and financial institutions must focus not just on technological advancement, but also on clear, engaging communication strategies to bridge the gap.

Read on: Why the EU Is Ignoring Bitcoin Reserves

Beyond education initiatives, the digital euro’s long-term success requires seamless integration into existing payment systems—a process that must be guided by cooperation between public institutions and private enterprises.

This transition must be phased and data-driven, incorporating feedback from regulators, financial experts, and end users. Analysts emphasize that a well-coordinated public-private approach is essential to achieving stable and scalable adoption.