A consortium of European banks, including UniCredit and ING, plans to launch a euro-denominated stablecoin in 2026, aiming to attract crypto-averse investors and potentially accelerate the development of a digital euro. This new stablecoin, regulated under the EU's MiCAR framework, seeks to provide efficient and cost-effective payment solutions while addressing the current dominance of U.S. stablecoins in the global market. Experts suggest that such a product may enhance demand among European investors, despite concerns about compliance affecting privacy advocates.

Nine European banks, including ING and UniCredit, have collaborated to create a MiCA-compliant euro stablecoin, expected to launch in the second half of 2026. The consortium aims to provide a competitive alternative to US stablecoins, enhancing digital payment efficiency, cross-border transactions, and financial market infrastructure using blockchain technology. A new company will be established in the Netherlands to oversee the project under the supervision of the Dutch Central Bank.