As MiCA enters its implementation phase, uneven enforcement across the EU is reigniting debate over whether crypto supervision should move from national regulators to ESMA.
Europe News
Europe is a continent comprising the westernmost part of Eurasia. According to the United Nations, there are 44 countries in Europe, of which 27 are members of the European Union. The EU has the world’s third-largest economy by gross domestic product, or GDP, and purchasing power parity.
Europe is also a burgeoning hub for cryptocurrency innovation. Several European nations have embraced cryptocurrency, fostering a crypto-friendly environment within the region. Regulatory frameworks, such as the Markets in Crypto-assets Regulation (MiCA), have been proposed by the European Union to standardize crypto regulations across member states. These regulations aim to provide clarity and security to investors and businesses operating in the crypto space.
Liechtenstein, a small European country, introduced a new blockchain law that allows seamless tokenization of assets and rights, eliminating the need for legal workarounds. This enhances the country’s ability to legally host various digital tokens. Countries like Switzerland and Estonia have also gained recognition for crypto-friendly policies.
Switzerland, often dubbed “Crypto Valley,” hosts numerous blockchain startups and cryptocurrency companies due to its favorable regulations and supportive government initiatives. Estonia, on the other hand, offers e-residency programs, attracting digital entrepreneurs and blockchain businesses from around the world. Additionally, Malta boasts progressive cryptocurrency regulations, positioning itself as the “Blockchain Island” and a global hub for digital asset innovation and businesses.
Europe’s proactive approach toward cryptocurrency regulation and its rich technological infrastructure position the continent as a prominent player in the global crypto landscape, encouraging innovation and investment in the digital asset sector.
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Ripple Payments partnered with Swiss crypto bank Amina to plug its fiat-to-stablecoin payment infrastructure into the FINMA-regulated institution.
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Trust Wallet’s “zero-fee” crypto purchases through Revolut arrive weeks after the fintech unicorn hit a $75 billion valuation in a private share sale.
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The Polish government reintroduced an identical version of an 84-page crypto bill that was vetoed by the president, raising questions about local versus centralized EU oversight.
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Norway rules that a digital krone is unnecessary for now, highlighting its strong payment rails and the uncertain benefits of both retail and wholesale CBDCs.
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Legal experts are concerned that transforming ESMA into the “European SEC” may hinder the licensing of crypto and fintech in the region.
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Italy’s markets regulator sets firm MiCA deadlines, forcing VASPs to seek authorization or exit by Dec. 30, and urges investors to check providers’ compliance plans.
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The European Commission plans to expand ESMA oversight of MiCA crypto companies and trading venues, aiming to streamline EU markets and narrow the gap with the US.
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Kraken and Deutsche Börse plan to connect foreign exchange, tokenized stocks and Eurex derivatives in a phased rollout targeting institutional clients.
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Georgia explores putting its public registry on the Hedera blockchain and tokenizing real estate through blockchain-integrated government infrastructure.
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The entity formed by 10 banks is working on obtaining regulatory approval from the Dutch Central Bank to launch a stablecoin “in the second half of 2026.”
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Poland’s president vetoed a sweeping cryptocurrency bill over concerns it would stifle innovation and threaten freedoms, sparking a fierce political clash.
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Bitcoin’s price was down this month nearly 20% as markets worry about lower interest rates and a possible financial bubble in the AI industry.
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Licensed by Austria’s Financial Market Authority, KuCoin EU can operate across 29 EEA countries, excluding Malta.
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The listing brings the Solana-based token into one of Europe’s largest stock markets, even as memecoin valuations continue to slide in 2025.
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