European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has emphasized the digital euro as a unifying force for the EU, aiming for a swift launch of the central bank digital currency (CBDC). Despite plans to maintain cash circulation, the ECB intends to roll out the digital euro by 2029, enhancing online payment options within the EU. The announcement has sparked criticism from the crypto community, with concerns that CBDCs could undermine decentralized finance principles and civil liberties. Helius CEO Mert Mumtaz and political writer David Sand voiced opposition, highlighting potential threats to privacy and financial autonomy. In response, French and German lawmakers have proposed legislation to ban CBDCs and promote Bitcoin as a strategic asset.