🇪🇺 The EU’s digital euro prep phase aims for Oct 2025, but launch could hit delays until 2028. 🗓️ ECB’s Lagarde: “We cannot move without legislative approval.” - Retail CBDC: Offline use, privacy safeguards, free basic transactions. - Wholesale CBDC: Targets banks for faster settlements via blockchain. - Hurdles: Privacy debates, bank stability risks, global competition.