Cash Clusters: Europe's Growing Dependence on Physical Currency The European Central Bank's data reveals a paradoxical trend: despite the widespread adoption of contactless payments, the number of banknotes in circulation is increasing.
This shift has been linked to anxiety over wars, cyber attacks, and natural disasters, prompting EU residents to stockpile cash as a precautionary measure.
Following devastating wildfires across Europe in 2025, authorities advised citizens to prepare for emergencies by storing essential items – including food, water, and cash.