European Lawmakers Remain Silent on Trump’s Bitcoin Reserve as ECB Advances Digital Euro Plans
European policymakers have yet to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, even as the European Central Bank (ECB) pushes forward with its plans to launch the digital euro by October 2025.
Lack of European Response to U.S. Bitcoin Reserve Initiative
Trump’s March 7 order outlined the creation of a Bitcoin reserve using confiscated cryptocurrency from criminal cases rather than purchasing Bitcoin from the market. The move marked a major shift in U.S. financial policy, positioning BTC as a strategic asset.
Despite its significance, European lawmakers have not issued any formal statements regarding Bitcoin reserves, raising questions about their stance on integrating BTC into national holdings.
According to Anastasija Plotnikova, co-founder and CEO of blockchain regulatory firm Fideum, the process of adding new assets to national reserves in Europe is typically slow and requires clear legislative or executive action. Additionally, the ECB has historically been critical of Bitcoin as a reserve asset, making it unlikely that EU member states will follow the U.S. lead in adopting BTC reserves.
Focus on the Digital Euro and Payment Infrastructure Challenges
Instead of exploring Bitcoin reserves, the European Union is prioritizing the rollout of the digital euro. ECB President Christine Lagarde has consistently emphasized the importance of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) for the EU’s financial future.
James Wo, founder and CEO of venture capital firm DFG, suggests that the ECB’s firm stance against Bitcoin reserves stems from its focus on developing the digital euro. However, concerns about the ECB’s ability to manage a digital currency have surfaced following technical issues in its Target 2 (T2) payment system, which caused transaction delays.
Digital Euro Set for October 2025 Launch
Despite skepticism from critics, Christine Lagarde remains committed to launching the digital euro by October 2025. She has reassured the public that the CBDC will coexist with cash and offer privacy protections to address fears of government overreach.
“The European Union is preparing to introduce the digital euro, our central bank digital currency, by October this year,” Lagarde stated in a recent news conference. “We aim to ensure that the digital euro remains pseudonymous and cash-like in nature.”
Diverging Paths: U.S. vs. EU Digital Asset Policies
The U.S. and the EU are adopting contrasting approaches to digital assets. While the European Union prioritizes a centralized digital currency, Trump has taken a firm stance against CBDCs, positioning Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as strategic reserves.
CBDCs have been promoted for their potential to enhance financial inclusion, but critics have raised concerns about surveillance risks and excessive government control. In 2023, Brazil’s central bank faced backlash after its CBDC pilot program revealed mechanisms that could allow authorities to freeze or reduce user funds.
As the EU moves forward with the digital euro and the U.S. pursues Bitcoin reserves, the global financial landscape continues to evolve, highlighting the differing regulatory strategies shaping the future of digital assets.
