Piero Cipollone, a member of the European Central Bank's (ECB) Executive Board, stated in an interview with Corriere della Sera that the digital euro is expected to launch in 2029, aiming to complement rather than replace cash. Initial tests will commence next year, with the first payments anticipated within the next 12 months. Cipollone emphasized that the digital euro will offer the same high level of security as cash and will be free for individuals. He noted that it will provide merchants with a public payment alternative, potentially halving digital payment costs, and can be integrated into European private payment solutions. Geopolitical factors, such as the crisis in Ukraine, have accelerated the development of the digital euro to enhance Europe's strategic autonomy in digital payments. The relevant legislative texts are expected to be ready by the end of this year.