Publications and information

Study on the payment attitude of consumers in the euro area (SPACE)

The Study on the payment attitude of consumers in the euro area (SPACE) analyses how consumers use cash and non-cash means of payment in the euro area countries.

At the end of 2021, a new survey, known as SPACE II, will be carried out by Kantar Public on behalf of the ECB with around 40,000 people in the euro area. The results will be published at the end of 2022. The ECB reiterates the importance it attaches to the confidentiality and protection of the data collected.

 The Fiduciary Letter - No. 13 September 2021

 The Fiduciary Letter - No. 11 December 2018

 The Fiduciary Letter - No. 10 May 2018

•  The Fiduciary Letter - No. 9 July 2016

•  The Fiduciary Letter - No. 8 March 2016

• The Fiduciary Letter - No. 7 February 2015

• The Fiduciary Letter - No. 6 January 2014

• The Fiduciary Letter - No. 5 June 2013

• The Fiduciary Letter - No. 4 January 2013

• The Fiduciary Letter - No. 3 July 2012

Following its successful launch, the roll-out of the Interop portal is taking place in a smooth manner. Most credit institutions were already using Interop at end-June 2012, and cash orders by fax will no longer be accepted as of September.

An overview of the information that cash recyclers now need to submit to the Banque de France on either a six-monthly or, for sites handling large volumes, monthly basis.

• The Fiduciary Letter - No. 2 June 2011

• The Fiduciary Letter - No. 1 December 2010

In a decision adopted on 16 September 2010, the ECB renewed the legal framework governing the recycling of banknotes. While the principles underlying the existing agreements remain the same, the decision introduces two notable changes: the Banque de France now has the authority to reduce handling restrictions in the event of a crisis, and cash handlers have an obligation to report to the central bank.

As of 1 January 2011, it will no longer be necessary to face and orientate banknotes when depositing them at the counters of the Banque de France branches. This measure, which responds to a request from the banking sector, is also part of a harmonisation effort within the euro area.