Open Access

Simon Noah Vetter

• This paper examines the digital euro, which the European Central Bank has been planning since 2021. Due to the latest developments in the field of central bank digital currencies, it has become necessary to deal with this topic. The specific topic to be investigated is the opportunities and risks of the digital euro. The research method used was expert interviews with representatives from German politics, German banks and business consultancies. The research has shown that, on the one hand, the digital euro offers opportunities for end consumers and retailers, as well as for the European currency area. On the other hand, it poses major risks for banks and their business model. In addition, the digital euro has a high incitement potential and therefore requires more transparency in the investigation phase. The results also proclaim that the wholesale concept and the tokenization of the digital euro have a strong demand and are considered a key potential for improvement. The results should be included in the current discussion and planning phase. They provide an impression of the political, banking and consulting sectors and highlight the opportunities and risks, as well as points of concern and potential for further development.