FLORENCE, Italy :The European Central Bank said on Thursday it could launch a pilot of its digital currency in 2027 provided it can secure timely approval from lawmakers for a project it deems vital for the euro zone's financial autonomy.The ECB has presented it as a strategic alternative to private, U.S.-dom

: Because fewer people like banknotes, and payment sovereignty is a problem

ECB targets 2029 for digital euro launch pending EU approval. Only 3 countries have launched CBDCs globally as Europe debates privacy and banking concerns.