Il Progetto dell’Euro digitale: da idea a proposta legislativa…e oltre?

The article examines the digital euro from the perspective of the European Union’s institutional framework and competences, taking stock of the current state of play of the project. After reconstructing the context in which the idea of developing a digital euro emerged, it analyses the possible legal bases under EU primary law for the introduction of such a central bank digital currency, distinguishing between the prerogatives of the European Central Bank and the role of the Union’s co-legislators. It then considers the two parallel tracks – technical and legislative – pursued respectively by the ECB and the European Commission, as well as the most recent developments of the project and the prospects for its effective implementation.