Free software-based GNU Taler electronic payment system

16.12.2020

Question for written answer  E-006895/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Patrick Breyer (Verts/ALE), Mikuláš Peksa (Verts/ALE)

• 1.The GNU Taler payment system allows the customer to remain anonymous while keeping the merchant identifiable and taxable. Does this system align with EU policy objectives?
• 2.In order to achieve the objective of preserving payers’ anonymity, as cash does, should it be possible for systems like GNU Taler to permit users to buy electronic payment balances anonymously by paying in cash?
• 3.What is the Commission’s view on setting up an official system of electronic cash or ‘e-euros’, and would a protocol such as GNU Taler be suitable for this?