Italy

The Italia Cashless initiative was launched in December 2020 and rewarded those who favour digital payments over cash. The new government, led by former ECB President Mario Draghi, has terminated the programme.

The Italia Cashless initiative offers shoppers refunds on purchases made by cards as part on an ongoing campaign to discourage tax evasion. The ECB has complained that the programme is disproportionate and undermines the neutral approach to payments. It also creates a distortion within the European internal market.

The Italia Cashless initiative rewards those who do not use cash for their purchases. Users of credit cards, debit cards and payment apps will receive a refund of a part of their expenditure from the state.

The Italian government is considering measures to reduce cash usage with the aim of fighting against tax evasion.

Italian Cash Management Company Mondialpol presented the design of a mobile cash centre, which could rapidly be set up in case of a natural disaster or a crisis.