Europe Rethinks Cashless Future as Sweden Reverses Course
After years of moving toward a cashless society, Europe is beginning to recognize the risks. Sweden, once a model, is now introducing a law that encourages stores to accept cash.
Europe is re-evaluating the rapid transition to cashless payments. Sweden, a pioneering example of a nearly cash-free society, is now backtracking by enacting legislation that urges retailers to accept cash. This shift comes as concerns grow over the continent's dependence on major payment systems like Visa and Mastercard.
The swift adoption of card payments has left Europe vulnerable to political pressure and external influence. The question of whether to return to cash or to develop a digital euro is becoming increasingly pressing.
This topic is explored in a weekly program produced by the European public broadcaster ARTE. The program is published in ten languages, thanks to collaboration with media outlets including Ir (Latvia). The project is funded by the European Union through the European Media Platforms funding.
