The regulatory framework established by the European Union (EU) actively encompasses and governs crypto-assets, issuers of crypto-assets, and providers of services related to crypto-assets.
Just last month, after encountering a series of delays, the European Parliament officially embraced the regulation known as MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets). This legislative milestone is specifically designed to enable all EU member states to offer digital asset services within a harmonized and consistent environment.
As we progress through the procedural journey, obtaining the crucial approval of the European Council stands as the final decisive step in this comprehensive process.
EU Finance Ministers Approve Crypto Assets Law
During a meeting held on Tuesday, the EU Council, comprising finance ministers from all member states, officially adopted the legislation known as Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA).
This legislative framework sets forth a comprehensive set of rules that effectively encompasses crypto assets, their issuers, and providers of crypto services within a unified regulatory structure applicable across the Union.
The Council emphasized that this formal adoption represents the conclusive step in the legislative process. Before this milestone, a provisional agreement had been reached in June 2022 following extensive trialogue negotiations involving the European Parliament, the Commission, and EU lawmakers, culminating in the lawmakers’ vote in April of the current year.
Expressing her satisfaction, Elisabeth Svantesson, the finance minister of Sweden, remarked, “I am delighted that today we are fulfilling our commitment to commence the regulation of the crypto-assets sector.”
Stressed in a press release, she also emphasized:
“Recent events have confirmed the urgent need for imposing rules which will better protect Europeans who have invested in these assets, and prevent the misuse of the crypto industry for money laundering and financing of terrorism.”
The legislation actively establishes regulations for supervising, protecting consumers, and ensuring environmental safeguards within the realm of digital assets, encompassing cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Moreover, the newly introduced rules extend their coverage to utility tokens, asset-referenced tokens, and stablecoins.
This comprehensive law effectively governs both trading platforms and digital wallets utilized for storing crypto assets. Its primary objective is to safeguard investors, maintain financial stability, and simultaneously foster innovation while enhancing the appeal of the crypto-asset sector.
The EU Council emphasized, adding:
“It also introduces a harmonized regulatory framework in the European Union which, given the global nature of crypto markets, is an improvement compared to the current situation with national legislation in some member states only”
ESMA to Create Public Register for Unauthorized EU Crypto Service Providers
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is anticipated to establish a publicly accessible registry specifically designed for identifying crypto asset service providers operating within the European Union (EU) without proper authorization, thereby highlighting their non-compliant status.
In contrast to the United States, the EU has been recognized as a jurisdiction that has dedicated efforts to develop tailored regulations for the crypto industry. Several EU representatives have openly drawn comparisons between the challenges faced in the US and the potential opportunities for the European Union.
In the aftermath of the vote in the EU Parliament, Stefan Berger, the lead Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the MiCA regulation, expressed that the European crypto asset industry now benefits from regulatory clarity that is currently lacking in countries like the US.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the European Union (EU) has successfully implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework, known as MiCA, which governs crypto-assets, their issuers, and service providers. The recent adoption of this legislation by the EU Council represents a significant step towards creating a harmonized and regulated environment for digital asset services across all member states. This milestone reinforces the EU’s commitment to establishing clear and unified regulations within the crypto asset sector.
Ken Emmanuel is a Blockchain Content writer, a Web3 Enthusiast and a Social Media Management Strategist, he likes writing educative contents to help people gain more knowledge and get inspired. The growth of any organization he work with is always his priority. He is a Geographer by profession and loves reading.
