Digital euro to cost EU banks 4-6 billion euros over 4 years, ECB estimates

FILE PHOTO: European Central Bank executive board member Piero Cipollone speaks to journalists in Rome, Italy, February 18, 2026. REUTERS/Matteo Minnella/File Photo

MILAN, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Introducing ⁠the digital euro could cost European banks between four billion and six billion euros ($4.7-$7.1 billion) ⁠spread over four years, a senior European Central Bank policymaker said on Thursday.

ECB Governing ‌Council member Piero Cipollone also said the new digital-only central bank currency is estimated to cost the ECB around 1.3 billion euros to set up.