Fabio Panetta, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, provided introductory remarks at the ECON Committee of the European Parliament regarding the outcome of the ECB’s public consultation on a digital euro. The consultation received over 8,000 responses, with the majority coming from citizens. The main findings from the consultation highlighted that privacy, security, and broad usability were the most important features of a digital euro according to respondents. Participants also emphasized the need for integration with existing payment infrastructures and the role of banks and payment institutions in providing services related to a digital euro. Additionally, respondents expressed a desire for faster and less costly cross-border payments. Privacy was identified as the most important feature of a digital euro, and Panetta emphasized that the ECB is committed to protecting users’ personal data. The security and usability of a digital euro were also highlighted, with Panetta noting that a digital euro would complement cash and contribute to a more diverse payments landscape. The ECB will continue its work on a digital euro and seek the views of stakeholders to find the right balance between privacy and other important considerations. The Governing Council will decide in the coming months whether to start a formal investigation phase on a digital euro, with the analysis expected to take around two years.