Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Are we really watching cash disappear, or is that just what people on TikTok say?
In this episode of What the Euro?!, our host Catherine digs into the real story behind cash. To find out everything you need to know, she speaks to experts about how we’re using it, why it matters, why it’ll stay and what’s changing with new banknote designs and the digital euro.
The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank.
[00:00] Introduction: Is cash still king?
[00:52] Cash payment trends in the euro area
[01:32] Comparing cash usage
[02:44] The "Paradox of Banknotes" explained
[03:18] Why cash is essential during crises and emergencies
[04:41] Debunking myths: Is the EU banning cash?
[05:38] New laws to protect the acceptance of cash
[07:22] What is the digital euro?
[08:44] Digital euro vs. Cash: What’s the difference?
[10:05] Why the ECB is redesigning euro banknotes
[11:19] The future of cash and payment security
[11:46] Summary: Will cash ever disappear?
Current banknotes
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/banknotes/current/html/index.en.html
Access to and acceptance of cash
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/cash_strategy/acceptance-cash/html/index.en.html
Future banknotes
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/banknotes/future_banknotes/html/index.en.html
Digital euro
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/digital_euro/html/index.en.html
ECB Instagram
instagram.com/europeancentralbank
Are we really watching cash disappear, or is that just what people on TikTok say?
In this episode of What the Euro?!, our host Catherine digs into the real story behind cash. To find out everything you need to know, she speaks to experts about how we’re using it, why it matters, why it’ll stay and what’s changing with new banknote designs and the digital euro.
The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank.
[00:00] Introduction: Is cash still king?
[00:52] Cash payment trends in the euro area
[01:32] Comparing cash usage
[02:44] The "Paradox of Banknotes" explained
[03:18] Why cash is essential during crises and emergencies
[04:41] Debunking myths: Is the EU banning cash?
[05:38] New laws to protect the acceptance of cash
[07:22] What is the digital euro?
[08:44] Digital euro vs. Cash: What’s the difference?
[10:05] Why the ECB is redesigning euro banknotes
[11:19] The future of cash and payment security
[11:46] Summary: Will cash ever disappear?
Current banknotes
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/banknotes/current/html/index.en.html
Access to and acceptance of cash
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/cash_strategy/acceptance-cash/html/index.en.html
Future banknotes
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/banknotes/future_banknotes/html/index.en.html
Digital euro
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/digital_euro/html/index.en.html
ECB Instagram
instagram.com/europeancentralbank
