Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), delivered a speech at the plenary session of the European Parliament on 14 February 2022. She highlighted the significance of the introduction of euro banknotes and coins in 2002, which marked a major milestone in European history and represented the world’s largest monetary changeover. The euro has become an integral part of European identity, fostering a sense of shared identity among citizens. It has simplified the lives of Europeans by supporting the free movement of people, goods, and services, as well as facilitating cross-border trade and economic ties. The euro has also strengthened Europe’s role and autonomy, becoming the second most important currency globally and being increasingly used in key markets. Lagarde emphasized the ECB’s role in safeguarding the supply of euro cash and ensuring its security, as well as exploring innovative forms of payment such as the digital euro. The ECB has launched the digital euro project to investigate its potential as a convenient and risk-free means of payment, complementing cash. The redesign of euro banknotes is also underway to ensure their continued security, acceptance, and efficiency as a means of payment, with input from citizens and a final decision expected in 2024. Lagarde emphasized that euro banknotes and coins serve as a tangible reminder of the euro’s success and the shared endeavor of European integration.