ECB President Lagarde says digital euro will coexist with cash

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde told the European Parliament’s Economic Committee that the forthcoming digital euro will be introduced alongside physical cash. She stressed that both the digital euro and cash are "forms of legal tender" and that citizens must retain the freedom to choose their preferred payment method.

Lagarde added that the EU recognises the shift toward a more digital economy must not deprive anyone of the ability to use cash, which will continue to be protected as a basic right. The remarks were made in response to a question from Greek MEP Giorgos Avtias.