31/03/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 31 March, the European Commission launched a public consultation to inform its thinking on how to encourage the use of instant payments in the EU, as announced in its September 2020 strategy (see EUROPE 12567/1). According to the Commission, in addition to various benefits for users, widespread use of instant payments would also facilitate the emergence of competitive national and pan-European payment solutions. According to the roadmap published at the beginning of March, an initiative in this area is expected in the first half of 2022, but the institution has not yet determined the form it will take (see EUROPE 12676/29). The Commission is considering all options, both legislative and non-legislative, at this stage. Stakeholders have until 23 June to submit their views to: https://bit.ly/3wc65h8 (MF)