# Cipollone Says Digital Euro Would Protect Privacy and Be Widely Accepted By Riza Dagoc Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/regulation/40115 Published: 2026-10-24T15:57:57.000Z Updated: 2026-10-24T15:57:57.000Z Section: Regulation > The ECB plans a 12-month pilot in the second half of 2027. A possible 2029 issuance would require EU legislation and a later decision by the ECB’s Governing Council. European Central Bank Executive Board member Piero Cipollone said the proposed digital euro would protect users’ privacy and be widely accepted across the euro area, describing it as a public payment option. The digital euro is planned to complement cash. The ECB’s [12-month pilot plan]() is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027; that timetable is separate from a possible issuance. The ECB aims to be ready for a potential first issuance in 2029 if European Union lawmakers adopt the required regulation by the end of 2026. The ECB’s Governing Council would still need to decide whether to issue the currency after the legislation is adopted. ## Links in this article - [12-month pilot plan](https://www.tokenpost.com/news/regulation/26091)