The digital euro is set to follow China’s CBDC model, and ECB president Christine Lagarde confirmed that the ECB will design the central bank’s digital euro to equally serve all citizens. At the time of writing, Digital Euro is scheduled for release in October. This clearly illustrates Europe’s strategic entry into the global digital currency race.
ECB Digital Currency Follows China’s Blueprint
The ECB Digital Currency Project is directly inspired by China’s E-CNY implementation. It has already rolled out to millions of users across several major market segments. China’s CBDC model demonstrates the success of mass adoption through designs focused on accessibility. This is what the ECB wants to revolutionize within its own framework.
Now, ECB President Christine Lagarde is pioneering the emphasis that the digital euro has not only made technological advances in many important demographic areas, but that it needs to benefit all citizens. The Chinese Digital Yuan optimized large-scale implementations with a wide range of tests. This occurs especially among small and medium-sized businesses and retail users through multiple important sector components.
When a reporter asked Lagarde about the digital euro, she said the ECB would model it in China’s CBDC, which serves all citizens.
Digital Euro strengthens global position
The ECB designed the central bank’s digital euro and served a dual purpose beyond domestic payments. Central banks have placed it to change Europe’s role in international markets, and at the same time reduce their dependence on the US dollar.
The ECB has enacted a close collaboration with China to help both regions advance digital finance functions through several major strategic initiatives. The People’s Bank of China continues to expand its E-CNY facilities, providing valuable insight into digital euro development in multiple strategic business areas.
October 2025 Launch Timeline Set
The ECB has established the Digital Euro Launch 2025 timeline to reflect its confidence in adapting the Chinese CBDC model to the European market through many important regulatory frameworks. Current experiments and consultations determine the optimal implementation of central bank digital euros in certain key policy areas.
Lagarde noted that the ECB is keenly studying China’s approach. She emphasized that the digital euro must be comprehensive, accessible and fair in its structure and delivery. The ECB mentions China’s strategy to develop a similar deployment plan in the eurozone, which includes several key market elements.
The digital euro complements cash rather than exchange it. This addresses privacy and security concerns in several major consumer protection areas. The ECB focuses on fairness, usability and international competitiveness as the core development pillar of the Digital Euro.
Global financial institutions have reshaped the central bank’s transformation into digital currency. China’s CBDC model offers proven strategies in many key financial sectors. The launch of the 2025 Digital Euro represents a pivotal moment for European digital finance and the broader international monetary system through multiple strategic market developments.
