Sarah Knafo, a French Member of Parliament (MP) and Vice President of the Europe of Sovereign Nations Group (ENS), has voiced concerns over the European Parliament’s push for a digital euro. In an X post dated February 11, 2025, she said that increasing numbers of Europeans are “embracing Bitcoin” and expressed her opposition to the digital euro initiative.
“Want to understand why more and more Europeans are embracing Bitcoin,” said Knafo, MP for Reconquête. “Here’s what the European Parliament wants us to adopt today: the advancement of the digital euro. No one is talking about it, yet this ECB project could soon give a European bureaucrat the power to block certain transactions or even exclude us from the banking system with a single click—just for something we say on social media or for holding an opinion they don’t like. As a MEP representing the interests of the French people, I am voting AGAINST.”
According to Knafo, the proposed digital euro could allow “European bureaucrats” to block transactions or exclude individuals from the banking system based on personal opinions or actions. She emphasized her vote against it, stating her commitment to “representing the interests of the French people.”
Reuters reported that the European Central Bank (ECB) views U.S. President Trump’s support for dollar-pegged stablecoins as a catalyst for advancing the digital euro project. ECB board member Piero Cipollone highlighted Europe’s need to reduce reliance on U.S. payment providers like Visa and PayPal. Despite slow legislative progress, Cipollone expressed hope that digital euro legislation would be finalized by summer 2025, with a decision expected by November. The ECB also warned that U.S. stablecoins might divert deposits from European banks and affect the banking system.
According to Bitcoin.comNews, Knafo advocated for European nations to establish Bitcoin reserves, citing El Salvador’s success and growing global interest in Bitcoin as a strategic asset. She also raised concerns about potential risks associated with financial control and inflationary pressures due to the EU’s push for a digital euro. Knafo argued that Bitcoin adoption could act as a safeguard for economic freedom.
Knafo is not only an MP but also serves as vice president of ENS in the European Parliament. She is involved in several committees and delegations, including those focused on industry, research, energy, and relations with Maghreb countries and the Union for the Mediterranean.
