The recent European elections have ushered in a new European Parliament poised to govern over the next five years, potentially shaping policies that could impact the cryptocurrency industry across the continent.
With 185 million voters from 27 member states participating, the elections have brought significant changes to European politics. This includes a stronger representation from the far-right wing, a consolidated European People’s Party (EPP), and a notable decline in seats for the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA).
Amidst a complex political landscape characterized by differing opinions on crucial issues like EU fund distribution, migration policies, climate action, and defense strategies, Europe has historically maintained a relatively favorable stance towards the crypto and blockchain sectors.
The question now is whether the new EU Parliament will continue to support and potentially advance regulatory frameworks conducive to the growth of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Insights from the European crypto community, as shared with Cointelegraph, indicate cautious optimism about the implications of the election outcomes.
Markus Ferber, a German MEP representing the EPP, highlighted the EPP’s role as the largest and most influential group in the European Parliament with 189 seats. Ferber emphasized that the EPP’s approach tends to be pragmatic and technology-neutral in regulatory matters concerning crypto. He noted that the EPP’s risk-based approach considers use cases rather than imposing blanket regulations solely based on the technology involved.
Ferber observed a significant shift in the composition of the EU Parliament that could alleviate pressures on the crypto industry. He pointed out that center-left parties, historically inclined towards stringent regulations on the crypto economy, had lost considerable representation in this election.
The decline of the Greens/EFA, which lost 53 seats, further underscores potential changes in policy orientation within the EU Parliament. This shift could translate into a more favorable environment for crypto-related legislation and innovation across Europe.
As the new EU Parliament settles into its responsibilities, stakeholders in the crypto industry are hopeful that the legislative framework will continue to evolve in a manner that supports innovation while addressing regulatory concerns. The coming years will reveal how the balance of power and political dynamics within the EU Parliament shape the future of cryptocurrencies in Europe, reflecting both challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector.
