Christine Lagarde reportedly weighs early ECB exit as digital euro milestones approach 2026–2029

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is reportedly considering stepping down before her term ends in October 2027, just as the EU prepares key decisions on the digital euro and stablecoin oversight. Potential successors share a cautious view on crypto, while the ECB is planning a 12‑month digital euro pilot from the second half of 2027 and aims to be ready for a possible first issuance in 2029, subject to EU lawmakers' approval.