Italy’s banking sector is backing the European Central Bank’s (ECB) initiative for a digital euro, aiming to spread costs over time. This collaboration aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance payment system innovation while managing potential impacts on the cryptocurrency market. The ECB has set a target launch date of 2029, reflecting discussions at Euro Summit level and EU leader’s calls for accelerated progress. Italian banks are pushing for legislative readiness by 2026, highlighting the digital euro’s significance in European payment systems. ECB officials suggest the project could be launched as early as mid-2029, contingent on member-state agreements before the end of 2025.