EU Negotiators Push Toward Digital Euro Deal
European Parliament and Irish Council Presidency aim for a political agreement on the digital euro by November 18.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Financial Services
Live Poll
Should the European Union prioritize a digital euro over existing card payments?
Negotiations between the European Parliament and the Irish Presidency of the Council entered an intense phase, with the digital euro's business model and merchant fee methodology still unresolved. Negotiators aim to reach a political agreement on November 18.
Why it matters
The digital euro would give Europeans a public digital payment option, and unresolved questions over merchant fees and sanctions guidance could shape how it is priced and who can use it. France's opposition to a 'no worse off' clause reflects disagreement over whether digital euro fees should match existing payment types.
The only dated figure in the negotiations is the 18 November 2026 target for a political agreement, set against a business model and merchant fee methodology that remained unresolved as of 5 November. Co-legislators are still awaiting European Commission guidance on serving sanctioned persons.
The players
European Parliament
The directly elected legislative body of the European Union, which is negotiating the digital euro alongside the Council.
Council of the European Union
The EU body representing member state governments, whose Irish Presidency is leading the Council side of the digital euro talks.
The details
Interinstitutional talks on 5 November discussed unresolved issues, including whether the 'no worse off' clause should apply to merchant fees. France argues that the reference to 'other existing types of payment' would cover European payments, which are cheaper than international ones.
Timeline
Thursday 5 November 2026: Interinstitutional negotiations discussed unresolved digital euro issues.
Friday 6 November 2026: A French Finance Ministry source commented on digital euro fees.
Wednesday 18 November 2026: Target date for a political agreement on the digital euro.
Market Landscape
The digital euro is being negotiated as a co-decided EU regulation in a trilogue, with the Parliament and the Irish Council Presidency still resolving core design questions. Its outcome will determine whether the euro gains a public digital payment option alongside private card and wallet networks.
If adopted, the digital euro would give consumers a public digital payment option, and merchant fee rules will influence what shops may charge for accepting it. Unresolved fee methodology means the eventual cost to businesses and shoppers is not yet settled.
The takeaway
The digital euro's final design will hinge on fee rules and sanctions guidance still under negotiation. Readers should watch whether the 18 November target holds, since it determines how quickly the currency could move toward adoption.
What happens next
Negotiators aim to reach a political agreement on the digital euro on 18 November 2026, if possible.
Further reading
Explore more on Financial Services to see how payment and digital currency rules affect the banking sector.
Live Poll
Should the European Union prioritize a digital euro over existing card payments?
