Euro banknotes in circulation rise as Europeans keep emergency cash ready amid crisis fears

The value of euro banknotes in circulation has risen from about €1 trillion in 2016 to €1.6 trillion in June 2026, despite the growing use of contactless payments. Experts say concerns over wars, wildfires, floods, storms and cyber-attacks are prompting Europeans to keep emergency cash at home in case digital payment systems fail.

By TOI World Desk