Several surveys published this year show that acceptance of the digital euro remains low in Spain. Respondents cite privacy concerns and the lack of added value compared with established payment methods as the main reasons. Cash remains the preferred option for many, who see it as more privacy-friendly.
According to a survey published on 17 February 2026 by the think tank Funcas with IMOP 52 per cent of respondents said they had heard of the digital euro, but only a quarter felt well informed. 69 per cent saw no clear advantage over existing payment methods. The results fit a pattern seen in other surveys: studies by GAD3 for the Plataforma Denaria and industry-related analyses record widespread mistrust around data use and call for explicit guarantees that cash will continue to be available.
The Banco de España In its project documents, the
Differences between the surveys reflect their questions and timing, but the overall trend remains consistent: without precise, legally binding guarantees on Privacy, offline capability and interoperability, as well as clear information about use cases, observers expect a low willingness to use it. Consumer protection and payments experts also stress that guarantees on the availability of cash are central to acceptance.
Politically, the project remains anchored in the European framework. The next steps in the Eurosystem and at European legislative level are being closely followed in Spain, not least by banks, retailers and consumer protection groups. Three issues are decisive for public opinion: privacy in everyday payments, transparency about data flows and access rights, and the concrete added value compared with the card and mobile payment services widely used today. As long as these questions remain open or are answered only in general terms, scepticism in Spain is likely to remain high.
The figures and assessments cited here come from publicly available reports and surveys by Spanish institutions and research bodies in 2025 and 2026. They paint a consistent picture: lack of information and privacy concerns are the main obstacles, with cash serving as the benchmark.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).