Italian banks are advocating for installment payments to manage the high costs associated with the European Central Bank's (ECB) digital euro project. A senior official from the Italian Banking Association (ABI) expressed support for the initiative but highlighted the financial burden it imposes. The ECB aims to enhance monetary sovereignty within the eurozone through the digital euro, yet progress has been hindered by resistance from some French and German banks concerned about potential impacts on bank savings. The ECB's Governing Council, during a meeting in Florence on October 29-30, decided to advance the digital euro project to its next phase following a two-year preparatory period. The project is slated for an official launch in 2029, with a pilot program anticipated in 2027, contingent on the passage of EU legislation expected in 2026.