The Austrian National Bank (OeNB) has analyzed public expectations regarding the digital euro based on extensive data, it announced Tuesday afternoon. According to the findings, the top priorities for Austrians are security and financial incentives. A guarantee of full protection in case of loss or theft significantly increases the likelihood of people using the digital currency. Potential savings through discounts or the elimination of fees also raise the probability of adoption.
One-third of respondents emphasized the importance of data protection, stating that financial benefits do not compensate for weaker privacy safeguards. However, the study found that anonymity compared to bank-traceable transactions would only marginally increase usage intent.
Under realistic conditions—such as no monetary perks and limited privacy—45 percent of those surveyed would consider using the digital euro. In an ideal scenario, with full protection, complete anonymity, and monthly savings, the rate jumps to 74 percent. Willingness to use the currency is particularly high among younger and digitally savvy individuals.
Based on the findings, the central bank has issued several recommendations for policymakers. These include offering guarantees in case of loss, providing financial incentives to increase acceptance, and designing flexible privacy settings tailored to user preferences. The OeNB also notes that a purely digital solution cannot meet everyone’s needs.
The proposed digital euro is intended as a complement to cash, providing a secure, state-backed, and EU-wide digital payment option. For the study, the OeNB conducted a Discrete Choice Experiment with around 1,400 randomly selected Austrians aged 16 and older, asking about various potential features of a digital euro.
