The Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid (Valle-Inclán Room, 5th floor, Calle Marqués de Casa Riera no. 2, Madrid) will host the roundtable discussion “Why Do We Want a Digital Euro?” on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
The digital euro is at the heart of the transformation of money in an environment marked by digitalization and geopolitical rivalry. Beyond being a technical innovation, the digital euro raises questions about Europe’s sovereignty in the global financial system, its dependence on external infrastructure, and its capacity to project the international role of the euro.
The European Central Bank sees it as a necessary tool to strengthen financial resilience, improve the efficiency and sovereignty of payments, and offer a public alternative to the rise of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. However, its development also opens up debates about its opportunities and risks, its design, and its social acceptance.
This event invites us to answer a key question: what do we really want the digital euro for?
The event will be moderated by José Juan Ruiz, President of the Elcano Royal Institute, and will feature the participation of Carlos Conesa, Deputy Director General of Operations, Markets and Payment Systems, Bank of Spain (BDE); César Díaz, Legal Department Technician, Spanish Confederation of Consumers and Users (CECU); Alejandra Kindelán, President of the Spanish Banking Association (AEB); and Petia Niederländer, Director of Payments, Risk Management and Financial Education, Austrian National Bank (OeNB).
In-person format – Limited capacity
The event will be held in Spanish and English with simultaneous interpretation into both languages.
More information is available on the Elcano Royal Institute website.
Please send confirmation of attendance to prensa@rielcano.org