In a written answer on 4 August 2026, Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis defended the mandatory acceptance requirements in the Commission's digital euro proposal, arguing they are a necessary measure for the euro's use as the single currency under Article 133 TFEU. The answer, responding to a parliamentary question from Rada Laykova (ESN), stresses that without such requirements the digital euro could be accepted only selectively, fragmenting its usability across the euro area. Dombrovskis also cited the Court of Justice's ruling in Dietrich and Häring (C-422/19 and C-423/19) to support the view that monetary policy includes a regulatory dimension aimed at guaranteeing the euro's status as the single currency.
The answer clarifies that the proposal grants the digital euro legal tender status, similar to euro banknotes and coins, which also entails mandatory acceptance. Dombrovskis acknowledged that the acceptance requirements may impact market and contractual structures, but framed this as an inherent consequence of monetary law provisions. He highlighted that the proposal includes proportionate exceptions, such as for small merchants that only accept cash, and argued that contractual freedom is not unduly affected because payer and payee can agree on alternative means of payment.
The exchange reflects a broader debate over the digital euro's design, with critics questioning the extent of EU intervention in market mechanisms. The Commission's position, however, underscores its commitment to ensuring the digital euro's uniform acceptance as a cornerstone of its monetary sovereignty. The proposal, first tabled in June 2023, remains under negotiation between the European Parliament and the Council, with the acceptance requirements a key point of contention. Dombrovskis's answer signals the Commission's firm stance on the legal basis, potentially shaping the final legislative text as trilogues progress.