European Central Bank (ECB) Executive Board member Piero Cipollone cautioned that delays in finalizing digital euro legislation could postpone its potential rollout to 2029. He urged EU lawmakers to reach a deal by year-end to maintain the timeline. The ECB aims for a first issuance in 2029, contingent on the adoption of the regulation this year. A delay could increase Europe's reliance on foreign payment providers and hinder competition for European companies. The ECB is also preparing a 12-month pilot set to begin in the second half of 2027.