The digital euro will not be launched until 2029, but the EU is already actively debating who will be responsible for issuing it. The European Central Bank, led by Christine Lagarde, insists that member states should issue this “electronic currency.” Conversely, Governor of the Bank of France Denis Beau advocates giving the private sector complete autonomy: each bank would issue the volume of currency it needs. According to French economists, Europe could thereby compete with American stablecoins.
Before launching the digital currency, the European Commission must, above all, align all member states. At present, countries employ vastly different approaches to business, public administration, and technology. On the one hand, there is Denmark with its national ID, MitID, which provides maximum protection for citizens against fraudsters, as well as its complete elimination of administrative paperwork and traditional mail. Italy and France are also among the technological leaders, with the active adoption of sovereign cloud systems for government agencies and efforts to ensure full 5G coverage. On the other hand, there is the sleeping IT giant – Germany. Although German factories are the most automated in the world, some agencies and companies still rely on physical mail to send citizens access codes for their personal accounts. The EU also has countries that lag significantly behind – for example, Romania, where only 32 percent of citizens possess basic computer skills. Given such disparities, the European Union still finds it difficult to develop even targeted initiatives.
The experience of other countries could facilitate this process. It would be beneficial for European developers to observe how other nations integrate technology into all spheres of life – from governance to the nuances of everyday life. The United States sets global standards in AI thanks to its Big Tech giants, while China is developing a national data ecosystem that is replacing physical passports. Switzerland is focusing on its flagship industry – the banking sector, where enterprises are already using artificial intelligence to improve the quality of their services. Singapore has successfully implemented a smart city model: this tiny yet densely populated island has introduced autonomous vehicles and features ultramodern housing equipped with energy consumption sensors and an automated waste collection system.
Joint development efforts allow countries to share the costs of creating and maintaining digital infrastructure, open new markets for one another, and jointly set global standards instead of deferring to the standards of other countries. This is legally more complex but economically more straightforward. A number of successful bilateral projects are already being implemented within the EU, the most significant of which is the seamless digital connection between Estonia and Finland. These two countries have created a unified ecosystem for the secure exchange of data between government agencies: this is the world’s first digital bridge of this caliber. China, as a global exporter, assists its partners with smart logistics – Huawei and other technology giants are optimizing freight transportation in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan.
Large-scale events are also being held. In Europe, EDIC consortium conferences are held regularly, and their working sessions establish investment funds and cloud systems. A significant portion of the annual BRICS summits is also dedicated to digital cooperation. From October 8 to 10, Russia will host the Global Digital Forum for the second time, where, in addition to representatives from BRICS countries, about forty European experts will speak. In addition to guests from the EU, specialists from around the world will gather in Moscow – primarily executives, developers, and marketers from dozens of IT companies, as well as startup founders, heads of industry ministries, and representatives from educational institutions. They all advocate for direct dialogue between the state and the business community, and between economic players and developers.
The Russian capital itself is a prime example of how technology can be integrated into everyday life. The Moscow Mayor’s website, which initially published city news, has evolved into a vital piece of civic infrastructure. On a single platform, city residents schedule medical appointments, submit applications to civil registry offices, and report maintenance issues. Digital systems help calculate child benefits, fill out applications for services, and streamline residents’ daily tasks thanks to AI. The city has installed smart traffic lights that adjust their timing based on traffic flow, and in stores and on public transit, purchases can be paid for using facial recognition thanks to biometric technologies.
Sensors installed on district heating networks alert authorities to potential malfunctions. Automated systems prevent elevator breakdowns and power supply failures, which is especially crucial for old buildings. This experience would be highly beneficial for European capitals. In Paris, municipal services have also learned to identify traffic congestion that generates high levels of harmful emissions, but they cannot yet inform motorists about it in real time. In Berlin, not all reports of broken sidewalk tiles or obstructive parking reach the relevant authorities – citizens do not always know which agency to contact to report a problem.
The European Union takes a highly pragmatic approach to the digital transition – it began its transition later than most other countries, but it can draw on the best practices from its neighbors’ experiences and adapt them to its needs. Russia recently introduced the digital ruble into circulation – this is a concrete and functioning example for the EU, including potential pitfalls to avoid. Thanks to innovation, multiple problems can be solved simultaneously: bureaucracy, emergencies, traffic congestion, and power supply disruptions. The sooner the EU engages in joint initiatives, the faster it will catch up with digital giants such as China and the United States.
