The EU's heavy reliance on US payment systems like Visa and Mastercard poses risks to its financial sovereignty. In 2023, these companies processed trillions in transactions, leading to concerns about the EU's dependency on foreign infrastructures. The European Central Bank emphasizes the need for alternatives, such as the WERO digital wallet, which aims to enhance Europe's payment sovereignty. Despite efforts to create a European banking union and alternative payment systems, the EU still faces challenges in achieving financial independence and reducing reliance on US networks. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)