Integrating euro cash issuance with the introduction of the single European digital currency. According to Handelsblatt, this is the most crucial section of the strategic plan drafted by the German government in conjunction with Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Spain. According to the report: “The digital euro has the potential to play a pivotal role in strengthening the EU's strategic autonomy and encouraging innovation in the financial sector”. Apparently "behind the push of the five Eurozone countries there is the fear that without a European offer other digital currencies could gain importance in Europe," as reported by a German newspaper. According to the ECB, a digital euro would function similarly to paper banknotes but in digital form, being issued and accepted by the Eurosystem (the ECB and the national central banks of the euro area countries). The digital euro would be an addition to conventional currency. That would help make things more accessible and inclusive by giving people more payment options and making it simpler to use them.