Aura Salla, a Finnish Member of the European Parliament representing the National Coalition Party (Kokoomus) and the European People's Party (EPP), has raised concerns regarding the potential for credit card payments in Europe to be abruptly interrupted by political decisions. She claims that credit card technologies, similar to other US services, include a covert feature known as a 'kill switch,' which could allow for a halt in monetary transactions at the behest of US authorities. This alarming revelation suggests a significant vulnerability for European consumers relying on systems primarily operated by US firms, such as Visa and Mastercard.

Salla references a study by the independent organization Tech Policy Press, which indicates that utilizing the kill switch feature necessitates only a request from the US government for its activation. She emphasizes the implications of this capability, citing recent instances where services were rapidly suspended in response to political sanctions, such as those imposed on Russia. This dependence on American technological infrastructure places European critical technology at the mercy of foreign political decisions, undermining the autonomy of European nations in financial transactions.

To counter this challenge, Salla advocates for the development of independent European alternatives to reduce reliance on US technologies. She proposes that one viable solution could be the introduction of a digital Euro, which would provide a robust and sovereign financial tool for European citizens. By advancing such alternatives, Europe can enhance its financial independence and safeguard against unforeseen political pressures that could endanger consumer access to essential banking services, thereby securing a stable economic landscape for its populace.