european
Ethereum Dominates European Blockchain Startup Scene
LeadBlock Partners, a European Venture Capital fund that invests in early-stage B2B Blockchain solutions, has announced that Ethereum is a prominent gamechanger among all the European blockchain startups.
European Central Bank President: Coronavirus Has Accelerated Digital Currency Adoption
COVID-19 has led to an acceleration in digital payments adoption and technological innovation, as seen by the spending pattern of European citizens.
European Central Bank is Consulting the Public on CBDC
The European Central Bank has launched a public consultation to seek public opinion on its proposed digital Euro or central bank digital currency (CBDC).
European Central Bank Assesses Potential Digital Euro CBDC Issuance
The European Central Bank (ECB) evaluated whether a digital euro would be a beneficial addition to its financial system through an October report.
European Blockchain Service Infrastructure PCP to Begin—Why it Could Benefit XRP and BTC
The EC seeks industry tenders for the European Blockchain Service Infrastructure (EBSI) - a European blockchain solution that could inadvertently see BTC and XRP soar.
European Union Parliament Considers Petition for Crypto Fraud Victims Fund
European Union Parliament is considering a petition from a consortium of individuals and companies to establish a restitution fund for victims of crypto-fraud.
European Central Bank Plans to Take the Lead on Stablecoins
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has urged the ECB to take the lead regarding stablecoins, citing increased interests in the space from central banks in Britain, Canada, and China.
European Securities and Markets Authority Prioritizes Crypto-Related Regulation
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) announced its key priorities list for 2020-2022. In its published document “Strategic Orientation for 2020-22,” the ESMA reflected its focus on supervisory convergence and its role in building the Capital Markets Union.
European Commission Eyes Crypto Regulatory Framework with New Digital Finance Package
The European Commission (EC) has unveiled a digital finance package that highlights legislative proposals on crypto assets and digital resilience.
CBDCs Are Bad News to European Banks, says Bank of America Analysts
Bank of America analysts have made important revelations concerning the launch of CBDCs. They recently disclosed that CBDCs are bad news to European Banks.
European Crypto Miners Share Insights About Their Local Mining Industry
dGen, a non-profit research organization, in its report, has revealed that the cryptocurrency miners in the European region believe that Europe's higher electricity prices as compared to that of Russia and China is due to the strict regulation, strong protections, and political stability.
Bitcoin Billionaire Winklevoss Slams European Central Bank Money Printing Despite Strong Euro
Bitcoin billionaire and Gemini Exchange Founder Tyler Winklevoss Slams European Central Bank's continued stimulus and low refinancing rates despite a strong Euro.
European Blockchain Convention reinvents itself to remain the leading congress in Europe
European Blockchain Convention Virtual becomes the meeting point of the Blockchain Industry this year in Europe. The congress, which will be held on September 21 and 22, will feature workshops, presentations, panel discussions and more than 100 world-class speakers. EBC will provide access to an AI-powered networking platform to facilitate virtual one-to-one meetings between over 1.500 attendees.
Kraken Amplifies European Footprint with BCM Acquisition
US-based cryptocurrency exchange, Kraken, has announced its plan to acquire Dutch crypto broker BCM as part of its European expansion strategy. This move aligns with the new MiCA regulatory framework, promoting a favorable investment climate in the region. The acquisition will enhance Kraken's service offerings and market position in the Netherlands.
EIB Bemoans the Underinvestment in Blockchain and AI, Foresees a $12B Shortfall
The EIB says Blockchain technology and AI has a shortfall in funding to the tune of $12 billion.
Apple Faces Major Complaint for Tracking Code that Allegedly Violates EU Privacy Regulations
A complaint that alleges that Apple’s Identifier for Advertisers code (IDFA) is a privacy breach going against European laws has been filed.
EU's ESMA Wants Public Input on Proposed DLT Regulation
The European Union’s Securities and Markets Authority has called on concerned market stakeholders to comment on its proposed regulation for the use of Distributed Ledger Technology in securities trading and settlement.
European Commission Unveils Strategy to Lead Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds
A new strategy for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds has been unveiled by the European Commission in an effort to steer the next technological revolution and guarantee a safe, open, and welcoming online environment for individuals, organizations, and government agencies across the EU.
Breaking: Binance Sells Russian Operations to CommEX, Exits Market
Binance has announced the sale of its entire Russia business to CommEX, citing compliance issues as the primary reason for the exit. The transition process for existing Russian users is expected to take up to one year, with no financial strings attached to the deal for Binance.
EU to Regulate AI Use of Copyrighted Material
The European Union has passed a draft bill to regulate AI use of copyrighted materials. AI tools will be classified according to their risk level, with high-risk tools subjected to stricter transparency procedures. The bill is part of the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act and aims to strike a balance between protecting citizens and fostering innovation.
Leaked EU Commission Draft on Crypto Assets Law: How Will Cryptocurrency be Regulated?
A leaked European Union legislative draft on digital assets reveals the country's plans for cryptocurrency trading and issuance across the nation.
EU Court Upholds Privacy in Encrypted Messaging Ruling
The European Court of Human Rights has upheld privacy and freedom of expression, rejecting backdoor demands in encrypted messaging services, highlighting potential security risks.
Christine Lagarde Announced EUR 750 Billion Bond Buyback, Bitcoin Surged 10%
With the launch of ECB's €750 Billion bond buyback, Bitcoin, in the last 24 hours witnessed a steep increase in price clocking at 16% growth.
Ethereum Achieves Record-High of $2,700 as EIB Announces Sale of Digital Bond on Ethereum Blockchain
Ethereum hits a record high of $2,718 as the European Investment Bank announces a plan to sell a "two-year digital bond" on the Ethereum blockchain network.
Microsoft's OpenAI Investment Faces EU Merger Regulation Scrutiny
The European Commission is investigating Microsoft's investment in OpenAI, a significant partnership since 2019, under the EU Merger Regulation, as part of a larger plan to control tech giants' influence in the AI field, focusing on potential anti-competitive impacts.
Decline in Cryptocurrency ATMs in 2023: A Global Perspective
In 2023, the global number of Bitcoin ATMs decreased by 11.1%, marking the first decline in a decade, with the U.S. being the largest host, contrasting with growth in the EU and other regions.
European Commission Launches Research Unit to Investigate Algorithms Used by Big Tech
The European Commission has launched a new research unit called the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT) to investigate the impact of algorithms used by prominent online platforms and search engines such as Facebook and Google. The team will analyze and evaluate the AI-backed algorithms used by Big Tech firms to identify and address any potential risks posed by these platforms.
Three Major Central Banks Play a Pivotal Role in Bitcoin Adoption
Market analyst Holger Zschaepitz believes that the big three central banks, namely the Federal Reserve (Fed), the Bank of Japan (BoJ), and the European Central Bank (ECB), have been instrumental in Bitcoin adoption.
EU Imposes 8th Wave Sanctions over Russia to Include Blanket Crypto Ban
The European Union (EU) has updated its sanction on Russia, the 8th package, and this time, it unveils zero tolerance for crypto-related transactions.
European Securities and Markets Authority Calls for Input on New EU Crypto Rules
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU's financial markets regulator, has initiated its first consultation package under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The authority is seeking stakeholder comments until September 20, 2023, marking a significant step towards establishing concrete rules for crypto markets in the EU.
ECB to Announce by Mid-2021 Whether It Will Move Forward with CBDC Issuance
European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde said that a decision on whether or not to launch a CBDC will be made by the middle of this year.
European Commission Moves to Tighten Rules on Cryptocurrency Transfers
The European Commission has announced that firms transferring Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies must collect details of payers and payees to help regulators prevent the flow of dirty money.
PayPal Confirms Its Plan to Develop Cryptocurrency Capabilities in its Letter to the European Commission
In a letter to the European Commission in March 2020, payment giant PayPal has now confirmed that has it is actively working to bring cryptocurrencies capabilities on its platform. In the detailed letter, PayPal said that it has taken tangible and unilateral steps to further develop its capabilities in the cryptocurrency space.
Greece Establishes High-Level Advisory Committee for Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the formation of a High-Level Advisory Committee for AI on October 19, 2023. Led by MIT Professor Constantinos Daskalakis, the committee aims to prepare Greece for the rapid advancements in AI and their applications. The committee will focus on long-term national strategy, including policy development and guidelines, in key areas such as economy, society, and innovation.
Germany’s Financial Regulator Warns Binance Over Stock Token Offering
Germany's financial regulator BaFin has warned Binance that it may be violating European securities laws with the introduction of its stock token trading.
European Union Introduces Comprehensive Crypto Law
The European Union has introduced a new crypto licensing regime called Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), making it the first major jurisdiction in the world to introduce a comprehensive crypto law. The EU also voted in favor of a Transfer of Funds regulation that requires crypto operators to identify their customers in a bid to halt money laundering.
Dutch Government Invests Heavily in AI to Compete Globally
The Dutch government has allocated €204.5 million ($222.07 million) for AI development, signaling a robust commitment to advancing the Netherlands' position in the global AI landscape and adhering to the EU's AI Act.
Google Assistant to Integrate Bard AI for Enhanced Capabilities
Google Assistant is set to integrate with Google's Bard AI to offer enhanced functionalities. The integration will allow Google Assistant to perform complex tasks like planning vacations and sorting emails. Although the feature is still under testing, it marks Google's aggressive efforts to compete in the AI space.
G20 Lays Regulatory Foundation to Accept Digital Payments by November Summit
G20 officials have announced that they will begin the preliminary regulatory groundwork for the group to accept digital payments.
Estonia's Central Bank Launches Research Project into CBDC
Estonia’s Central Bank also known as Eesti Pank has launched a multi-year research project into central bank digital currencies.
China and EU Trade Talks Included the Potential Cooperation of Central Bank Digital Currencies
The European Union and China recently had trade and economic discussions regarding topics including central bank digital currencies (CBDC) and supply chain.
Bitstamp acquires a Spanish crypto licence
Bitstamp has been focusing on the European Union market since its launch in 2011. The approval from the Bank of Spain lets Bitstamp's local subsidiary offer digital currency exchange services for fiat currency and electronic wallet custody services to Spanish users. By this fall, the country became home to the third-largest network of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency ATMs after the United States and Canada.
EU Plans to Bar Interest Payments on Deposits in Stablecoins
Patrick Hansen, the head of Strategy at DeFi startup, Unstoppable Finance, said the expected MiCA bill could come as early as this month’s ending.
Ethics of Web3 Discussed at Paris Blockchain Week
The second day of Paris Blockchain Week 2023 featured a panel discussion on the Ethics of Web3. The panelists agreed that ethical frameworks often lag behind technology and that innovation comes before any ethical standards are implemented. They highlighted the upcoming Markets in Crypto-Assets framework in the European Union as an example of turning ethics into law to protect people and innovation.
Bank of Spain Plans to Look at Design Proposals and Economic Implications of a CBDC
Spain’s Central Bank mentioned that it would study the design proposals and economic implications of a CBDC in the country.
ECB to Meet the Growing Demand for Digital Payments with a CBDC Digital Euro
President of the ECB Christine Lagarde broached the topic of CBDC issuance and why the bank was seriously considering the creation of a digital euro.
European Investment Bank to Harness Blockchain Technology for Bond Sale
The European Investment Bank (EIB) intends to deploy blockchain technology for selling bonds.
European Central Bank Hikes Interest Rates in Surprise Move, Bitcoin Remains Steady
The European Central Bank (ECB) on Thursday increased its benchmark rate from -0.5% to 0%. Crypto market remains steady, Bitcoin stands firm above $23K level during the Asia trading section.
Swedish Central Bank Delays CBDC Plans Again
The world’s oldest Central Bank, Sweden’s Riksbank, published results of its pilot project for its proposed central bank digital currency, the e-krona.
Ripple XRP Expands European Presence with University Blockchain Research Initiative
Ripple has expanded its University Blockchain and Research Initiative in Europe, incorporating Trinity College Dublin, EPITA, IE University, and University of Trento. The initiative aims to nurture blockchain leaders and align with Europe's goal to become a global crypto hub. IE University will organize a virtual asset regulation workshop.
The Bitcoin logo lights up Berlin
The Berlin TV Tower displayed the Bitcoin logo. German Bitcoiners tweeted images and videos of the lighting. These "advertisements" are legally illegal, so proceed cautiously.
Bitcoin Price as Likely as Gold to Rally Higher, Investors Await ECB Policy Meeting Outcome
Bitcoin is now more closely correlated to safe haven asset gold than ever, which enables the world’s largest cryptocurrency to be able to combat risk aversion.
EU Lawmakers Urged to Speed Up Passage of Crypto Law
Controversial provisions of the MiCA framework aim to simplify the rise of crypto businesses across the EU's 27 member nations.
EU’s Move to Bypass Encryption on Platforms like WhatsApp Sparks Indignation
European Union lawmakers have created a draft proposal that aims to circumvent end-to-end encryption, in a move to increase cybersecurity.
The European Commission Announces the Launch of the European Blockchain Regulatory Sandbox
The European Blockchain Regulatory Sandbox helps 20 projects each year obtain legal and regulatory support from the European Commission.
European Central Bank Encourages Clear Regulatory Structure for Stablecoins to Reap the Benefits While Minimizing Potential Risks
The European Central Bank (ECB) published an in-depth report on global stablecoins, focusing on highlighting the requirement for clear regulatory parameters for stablecoins, and the risks it may pose to financial stability. The ECB suggests that a “robust regulatory framework” must be established to address risks before its benefits could be explored.
Kraken Secures E-Money License in EU, Expands Virtual Asset Services in Spain
Kraken, a San Francisco-based crypto platform, has secured an E-Money Institution license from the Central Bank of Ireland and registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider in Spain. These moves are part of Kraken's strategy to expand its European operations.
MetaMask Developer ConsenSys Responds to European Banking Authority's Consultation on Anti-Money Laundering Measures
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has closed its public consultation on revising guidelines for money laundering and terrorist financing risk factors, extending the scope to include crypto-asset service providers (CASPs). ConsenSys, MetaMask's development lead, defended the EBA's approach, stating self-hosted wallets should not be considered a risk factor and praised the EBA's recognition of blockchain analytics' role in risk mitigation.
Feeling Left Out? EU Establishes Approximately €400m Blockchain & AI Fund
The European Commission and European Investment Fund (EIF) have launched a €2B fund to be invested in fundamental technologies. Nearly €300-€400M will be invested in blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) amid fears that China and the US are setting a precedent in these areas.
Blackrock Rollouts Blockchain ETF for European Investors
The iShares Blockchain Technology UCITS ETF targets institutional and professional investors in Europe.
European Commission Takes Aim at AI-Generated Disinformation Ahead of Elections
The European Commission mandates major tech platforms to detect AI-generated content to shield European elections from misinformation, highlighting a robust approach towards maintaining democratic integrity.
Dutch Central Bank Forces Crypto Firms to Register Within Two Weeks or Face Cease and Desist
The Dutch Central Bank, De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has announced that crypto companies must register with the authority by May 18, or to stop operating immediately. DNB has looking to enforce the Dutch anti-money laundering (AML) laws, which was passed by the Dutch Parliament in April to comply with the Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD4) laws. The Dutch AML laws are in compliance with the Financial Action Task Force-recommended AML directives and standards.
EU Proposes Cap on Anonymous Crypto Transfers
The European Union is proposing a 1,000 euro cap on anonymous crypto transfers to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The limit would apply to transfers when a customer cannot be identified, and the proposal also caps cash transactions at 7,000 euros. The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism package is expected to be confirmed in April.
EU Agreement on MiCA May Not Favor Stablecoins
After much deliberation and compromises from the European Commission, Assembly, and Council, a final agreement that builds the comprehensive framework for the digital currency ecosystem has finally been made
Hypervine Pilots Blockchain-Enabled Satellite Data Project to Curb Climate Impact of Mining Sector
Hypervine, a blockchain construction company based in Glasgow, Scotland, has revealed the kicking off of a blockchain-powered project that will utilize satellite data to boost efficiency in the mining industry. Expressly, it will be funded by the European Space Agency (ESA).
EU Passes Vote for Digital Wallet
The European Parliament passed a plenary vote for interinstitutional negotiations to create a EU-wide digital wallet. The eID amendments include zero-knowledge proofs to enable citizens to control their identity data.
Banks Holding Cryptocurrencies Face Strict New Regulations in European Parliament
The European Parliament must approve a new crypto exposure policy for banks.
AFP and Other Media Giants Call for Global AI Regulation to Protect Integrity
AFP and major media organizations have called for global AI regulation to protect content integrity, urging transparency, IP protection, and bias reduction.
German Finance Minister Calls for Speedy Interventions in the Rollout of a Digital Euro
German Finance Minister, Olaf Scholz, sees the digital euro as an ideal innovation to meet the high demand for digital money from businesses and consumers in Europe.
Crypto Mining May be Sacrificed as EU Continues to Battle Energy Crisis
With the energy crisis in the EU, member countries may be mandated to halt crypto-mining activities
European Parliament Ratifies MiCA Framework in Landslide Vote
The long-awaited Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation has just scaled through the European Parliament as MPs voted massively in favour of the bill.l
Five EU Member States Take Position Against Stablecoins
Five members of the 27-member European Union Bloc has urged the body to pass regulations to stiffen the emergence and existence of stablecoins in the region
The ECB Warns Financial Stability Risks If Central Banks Fails to Issue Digital Currencies
The European Central Bank (ECB) warns that nations who decide not to issue CBDCs may encounter risks to their monetary autonomy and financial systems.
ECB Publishes New Guideline on Regulated Digital Asset Licensing
The European Central Bank (ECB) has issued new licensing guidelines for regulating digital assets, although it currently does not have a unified regulatory framework governing crypto-asset activities and services.
European Asset Manager Believes Bitcoin is Not Doomed Despite Industry Collapse
A European asset manager, Amundi, believes that the ongoing cryptocurrency industry collapse does not mean that digital assets like Bitcoin are doomed to fail. Despite BTC's inability to protect investors from rising inflation, its limited supply may still attract attention if inflation remains high.
Three EU Regulators Warn Crypto Investors of Potential Losses
Three European Union regulators have warned investors of the potential loss in the digital currency ecosystem.