The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) has raised concerns that the United States’ growing support for dollar-backed stablecoins could threaten Europe’s financial stability and monetary sovereignty.
These concerns come as stablecoin regulation gains traction in the US. US national banks and federal savings associations can offer services without prior regulatory approval.
EU Warns US Stablecoins Could Threaten Euro Stability
Pierre Gramegna emphasized the urgency of the European Central Bank’s (ECB) digital euro initiative as a countermeasure. As the Managing Director of the ESM, Gramegna urged expedition to preserve the country’s monetary sovereignty and financial stability.
“It could eventually reignite foreign and US tech giant’s plans to launch mass payment solutions based on dollar-denominated stablecoins. And, if this were to be successful, it could affect the euro area’s monetary sovereignty and financial stability,” Gramegna stated at a Eurogroup meeting.
The EU is advancing its digital euro project to safeguard its financial independence. The ECB has long warned that reliance on US-backed stablecoins could weaken the euro.
He echoes recent remarks by ECB official Piero Cipollone during an early February interview. Then, Cipollone indicated that the Trump administration’s support for stablecoins would likely accelerate legislation surrounding the digital euro. Such an outcome, he said, would position it as a necessary alternative.
“The US and Europe have differing views on stablecoins. The Trump administration sees them as a tool to strengthen the US dollar’s global presence, whereas the ECB fears they could destabilize Europe’s financial system,” Cipollone explained.
The ESM supports the ECB’s digital euro project and the European Commission’s efforts to revise the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) directive. Gramegna emphasized that these measures are critical in preventing a scenario in which European consumers and businesses become overly reliant on US-backed stablecoins.
Indeed, these concerns come as the United States government has increasingly favored crypto, particularly stablecoins pegged to the US dollar. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller recently asserted that stablecoins could enhance the US dollar’s global role.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has also advocated for stablecoin regulation to solidify their role in financial markets. Meanwhile, new rules now permit US banks to offer stablecoin services, signaling further integration of stablecoins into traditional finance (TradFi).
These developments could accelerate the dominance of US-backed stablecoins in global transactions. Reports suggest that even Bank of America (BoA) is exploring launching its own stablecoin, while Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire is pushing for mandatory US registration of stablecoin issuers.
The debate over stablecoins mirrors broader geopolitical concerns. The dollar’s dominance in digital payments could grow as US financial institutions integrate stablecoins into their services. This could limit the euro’s influence.
European policymakers advocate for a strong regulatory framework and an accelerated timeline for the digital euro’s rollout to counter this.
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