The European Parliament’s Economic Committee took a decisive step forward on June 23, 2026, by voting to advance the digital euro initiative. This move brings the project closer to a full parliamentary vote and signals deeper discussions ahead with EU member states. The development follows an important meeting the day before between European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and key labor representatives.
During the June 22 meeting, UNI Europa Regional Secretary Oliver Roethig and ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch voiced their strong endorsement of the digital euro. They outlined three critical priorities: ensuring labor rights are protected, maintaining Europe’s financial sovereignty, and safeguarding consumer interests throughout the currency’s rollout. Roethig emphasized that the digital euro is essential for keeping Europe’s payment infrastructure under democratic control rather than relying on private, non-European technology providers.
Concerns over foreign influence in digital financial systems were a major focus during the discussion. Lynch and Roethig have previously pointed out that much of the current digital financial infrastructure is dominated by US multinational corporations. This dominance creates risks, as it allows foreign policymakers to exert political pressure through control of payment systems. A notable example mentioned was Nicolas Guillou, a French judge at the International Criminal Court, who was excluded from electronic payment platforms due to sanctions enacted during the Trump administration.
The introduction of the digital euro also raises important questions about its impact on workers across several sectors. UNI Europa represents millions of employees in finance, postal services, and retail—sectors that will be directly involved in implementing the new currency. Roethig highlighted that no formal evaluation has yet been conducted on how jobs might change or be affected. He warned that significant shifts in job roles are expected, necessitating comprehensive reskilling and training programs to equip workers for new tasks associated with the digital euro.
“A robust public monetary infrastructure cannot succeed without thorough preparation and consultation with the workforce,” Roethig stated. To fill this gap, UNI Europa plans to launch its own study on employment impacts related to the digital euro. The organization is urging all relevant institutions to prioritize workers’ needs during both the design phase and the eventual rollout.
As the European Parliament moves closer to formally approving the digital euro, ongoing dialogue between labor representatives and ECB leadership underscores the complexities involved in introducing a new public currency. These conversations highlight broader issues surrounding technological transformation, protection of worker rights, and Europe’s strategic autonomy in its financial systems. The next phase will involve detailed negotiations with EU member states and further parliamentary review before any implementation steps are taken.
