Romania Announces First National Digital Currency in Eastern Europe, Set to Launch by December 2025
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA — The National Bank of Romania confirmed today that the country will become the first in Eastern Europe to launch a fully state-backed digital currency, named the Digital Leu, with a rollout scheduled for December 2025. The announcement was made during a press conference in Bucharest, citing the need to modernize financial infrastructure and reduce cash dependency. The digital currency, a central bank digital currency or CBDC, will operate on a blockchain-based platform, allowing instant peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. The initiative is part of Romania’s broader strategy to enhance financial inclusion, with an estimated 40% of the population currently unbanked or underbanked. Local regulators emphasized that the currency will not replace physical cash but will serve as an alternative for digital payments, subject to strict anti-money laundering protocols. This move positions Romania as a regional leader in digital finance, ahead of neighboring countries, and is expected to attract foreign investment in fintech sectors. The bank plans to conduct a pilot program in major cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca starting in March 2025, with full national integration targeted within 18 months. Despite potential challenges, including cybersecurity risks and public adoption, Romanian officials expressed confidence, citing similar successful CBDC implementations in countries like China and Nigeria.