“If we want the digital Euro to become a success, we need a clear and convincing narrative of why we need it in the first place. People need to see the benefits of a digital Euro in their day-to-day lives. The European Central Bank and the European Commission have yet to make a compelling case of why we need the digital Euro and what added value it will deliver,” explained Markus Ferber MEP, the EPP Group Spokesman in the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee.
Why we need it? Lagarde said it sounds cool and also others are doing it. We want to be cool for once. /s
The ECB actually seems to be at the front of central bank digital currency development. Other have just vaguely announced their interest, the ECB has actual ongoing research and prototype development with public conferences, documents and updates.
There are plenty of others too: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/cbdctracker/