The International Currency Association (ICA), representing the global currency industry, welcomes today’s ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union on joined cases C-422/19 and C-423/19, concerning the payment of bills for radio and TV licenses in Germany. The ruling reaffirms that euro banknotes and coins are legal tender across the Eurozone and underscores the principle that payments in cash must generally be accepted for goods and services.
The Court clarified that any restriction on paying in cash must be justified by public interest objectives and must be proportionate to those objectives. Importantly, Member States retain the right to mandate acceptance of cash by public authorities.
ICA Director General Jutta Buyse commented:
“This long-awaited ruling provides clear guidance for policymakers to ensure the protection and acceptance of cash as a public good. The ICA remains committed to contributing to discussions that secure cash’s role in society and financial inclusion.”
The ICA looks forward to the European Commission and other institutions taking follow-up actions in line with the principles established in the Court’s ruling, including measures highlighted in the 2020 Retail Payments Strategy to protect access to and acceptance of euro cash.
Further Information:
Full EU Court ruling: C-422/19 and C-423/19
Court Press Release: CP210008EN
ICA Website: currencyassociation.org
