As captured by Hetal Patel, a Volunteer at the Digital Euro Conference 2025.
As the dust settles from the buzzing halls of the Digital Euro Conference 2025, it’s clear that we are standing at a fascinating crossroads for digital money. Volunteers like Hetal Patel captured candid conversations with attendees, giving us a rare, honest glimpse into how participants — from seasoned professionals to passionate students — see the future unfolding.
For Daniela Boback, attending the conference was an opportunity to explore how crypto assets and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are increasingly converging. Drawing from her experience at similar events, Daniela highlighted that beyond the panels and presentations, networking remains the most valuable aspect of such gatherings.
She also shared a thoughtful note of skepticism regarding the timeline for the launch of the digital euro, questioning whether a centralized CBDC model will address the existing trust challenges effectively. Her reflections remind us that innovation must be met with critical thinking if it is to succeed.
Debra Brooks brought a pragmatic and refreshingly candid perspective from the United States, representing the Wyoming Stable Token Commission. Debra emphasized the importance of transparency and public benefit at the heart of Wyoming’s approach.
The proceeds from the stablecoin initiative are intended to support local education, showcasing how digital innovation can create tangible societal benefits. Debra further noted that stablecoins are simply the next evolutionary step in the realm of digital payments, naturally complementing the widespread adoption of cashless transactions. However, she stressed that building public trust remains essential for mass adoption.
We also heard from Oliver Krey, a student who discovered the conference through a DEA newsletter and encouragement from a mentor. His participation underscored the growing interest among younger generations in the future of finance.
Oliver expressed optimism that the digital euro and traditional fiat currencies could coexist harmoniously, each serving distinct yet complementary roles. He emphasized that a strong regulatory framework — such as MiCA — will be crucial in building trust and ensuring the secure growth of the digital asset ecosystem.
His vision of a future where digital transactions are faster, more affordable, and more accessible is both compelling and inspiring.
From healthy skepticism to passionate advocacy, the Digital Euro Conference 2025 demonstrated that the future of digital money will not be shaped by technology alone, but by the people who engage with it — questioning, refining, and advancing it.
Skepticism serves as a call for more thoughtful design.
Optimism represents a belief in our collective ability to adapt and innovate.
The digital euro, stablecoins, and other digital currencies are not inevitable — they are what we, as a global community, will make of them.
Conferences like DEC2025 are only the beginning of this important journey.
Stay tuned — the conversation has only just begun.