„Banii gheață” devin plan de rezervă: europenii fac stocuri de teama războiului, incendiilor și atacurilor cibernetice

The circulation of cash in the EU is increasing despite the rise of digital payments, driven by concerns over emergencies and cyberattacks. The total value of banknotes rose from 1 billion euros in 2016 to 1.6 billion euros by 2026. Experts recommend households keep cash reserves for emergencies, as many countries advise citizens to have between 70 and 100 euros on hand. The ECB emphasizes the importance of cash for crisis preparedness, highlighting a paradox where cash usage declines in daily transactions while reserves grow. Financial inclusion advocates stress the need for continued cash use to ensure accessibility for vulnerable populations.