Euro stablecoins gain backing as ECB, Bundesbank flag risks

Euro stablecoins strengthen Europe’s payment independence, says Bundesbank President

Euro-denominated stablecoins are being positioned as tools to reinforce Europe’s autonomy in payments. Under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, properly supervised issuance could complement ongoing central bank work on a retail digital euro.

The sovereignty rationale is straightforward: reduce dependence on foreign payment rails and dollar-pegged tokens, and keep digital settlement anchored in the euro. If implemented with safeguards, euro stablecoins could expand choice without fragmenting the monetary system.

What euro stablecoins are and how they differ from the digital euro

In EU law, most euro stablecoins fall under MiCA as e-money tokens: privately issued digital tokens that aim to maintain a stable value against the euro and support on-chain settlement. They are claims on the issuer, not the central bank.

By contrast, the digital euro refers to a potential retail central bank digital currency issued by the European Central Bank (ECB). It would be public money, whereas private euro stablecoins are promises by regulated issuers.

European policymakers often cast the two as complementary, with private tokens enabling innovation alongside a universal public anchor. “Making Europe more independent in terms of payment systems and solutions,” said Joachim Nagel, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank.

Euro stablecoins could deliver 24/7, programmable settlement in tokenised markets and cross-border contexts. As reported by Cointelegraph, Nagel emphasized that euro-denominated stablecoins can lower cross‑border payment costs and complement existing infrastructures.

A credible euro on-chain option also lessens routine reliance on U.S. dollar stablecoins for European users. That shift could curtail the quiet export of dollar standards into EU digital finance and keep more activity denominated in euro.

Risks, safeguards, and sovereignty trade‑offs under MiCA

Financial stability and monetary policy considerations

If a euro stablecoin reached scale, poor reserve quality or governance could trigger runs with spillovers to money markets or banks. MiCA’s focus on robust reserves, risk controls, and transparency aims to mitigate that.

Heavy use of private tokens can also complicate monetary policy transmission if settlement migrates outside traditional rails. Design choices under MiCA, combined with central bank tools, will determine how manageable these effects are.

USD stablecoin dominance and re‑dollarisation risk in Europe

As reported by CoinDesk, an ECB adviser warned that widespread use of U.S. dollar stablecoins within the EU could weaken monetary autonomy. Policymakers describe this as a re‑dollarisation risk in digital finance.

The policy response is to foster competitive euro options while enforcing harmonised safeguards. Ensuring that foreign stablecoins operating in the EU meet EU standards limits dependency and levels the playing field.

FAQ about euro stablecoins

What does MiCA require from issuers of euro‑denominated stablecoins (reserves, governance, disclosures)?

MiCA demands high‑quality reserves, prudent governance, and clear, ongoing disclosures, including redemption terms. The goal is redeemability, transparency, and operational resilience under supervisory oversight.

How do euro stablecoins differ from the digital euro, and when would users choose one over the other?

Stablecoins are private, on‑chain tokens redeemable with issuers; the digital euro would be public central bank money. Users may prefer stablecoins for programmability; the digital euro for central bank backing.