Piero Cipollone from the ECB reassured MEPs that the digital euro, if launched, would be profitable for payment service providers and not threaten financial stability. The integration costs are estimated between €2.8 and €5.4 billion, but the credibility of these numbers is questioned. The ECB is finalizing preparations for a potential retail CBDC, but legislative agreement is needed. Concerns about privacy, compensation for banks, and the impact on non-Euro countries remain unresolved. The ECB emphasizes the need for a digital euro as cash usage declines. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)