# Anxiety over war, wildfires and cyber-attacks drives cash holdings higher in EU

https://mins.news/en/item/28006

- The Guardian, 2026-08-21 04:00 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/21/anxiety-over-war-wildfires-and-cyber-attacks-leads-to-growth-in-cash-stocks-in-eu

> Banknotes in circulation across the EU are increasing despite widespread smartphone payments. ECB chief economist Philip Lane said their total value rose from about €1bn in 2016 to €1.6bn in June 2026, as concerns over war, cyber-attacks, wildfires and other emergencies encourage households to keep cash available.