EU Targets Crypto Assets in Widened Sanctions Against Russia, Belarus

The European Union is extending the scope of sanctions introduced in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the latest agreement between member states specifically mentioning crypto assets. Russian oligarchs, senators and Belarusian banks have been targeted. Europe’s Sanctions Classify Crypto Assets as Securities to Close Loopholes for Russia On Wednesday, the European Commission welcomed … Read more

Europe’s MiCA Crypto Rules Submitted, ECON Committee to Vote in Mid-March

The European Union’s regulatory proposal for crypto markets, MiCA, has been filed with the European Parliament. The latest version of the draft framework does not feature a controversial provision that could have effectively prohibited cryptocurrencies like bitcoin that rely on proof-of-work mining. Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee to Vote on Latest MiCA Draft on March … Read more

G7 Countries, EU Taking Measures to Prevent Crypto Use to Evade Sanctions

G7 countries and the European Union are examining ways to stop the use of cryptocurrency by Russia to evade sanctions. “We should take measures to prevent listed persons and institutions from switching to unregulated crypto assets,” said Germany’s minister of finance. G7 and EU Seek to Prevent Crypto Use to Evade Sanctions The Group of … Read more

Proof-of-Work Ban Removed From Europe’s Proposed Crypto Regulation

A text threatening to prohibit cryptocurrencies relying on energy-intensive proof-of-work mining has been deleted from the draft legislation aimed at regulating the European crypto space. The move comes after the controversial provision sparked objections from the crypto community. MiCA Proposal Drops Ban on Proof-of-Work Coins Wording that could have banned cryptocurrencies with proof-of-work (PoW) mining, … Read more

EU Data Act Proposes Shutdown Function for Smart Contracts

The European Union has published its new Data Act, a law proposal that aims to regulate the generation and handling of data by the actors that harness it. The act, in its large scope, touches on the subject of smart contracts and proposes that every smart contract should have a termination function to stop the … Read more

Ukraine Targets Russian Politicians’ Crypto Wallets as Russian Banks Are Cut From SWIFT

Ukraine is now trying to expose cryptocurrency wallets used by politicians in Moscow amid warnings that Russia may employ digital coins to circumvent sanctions. The initiative comes as western allies agree to expel some Russian banks from SWIFT, the global interbank payments system. Government of Ukraine Seeks Info on Crypto Assets of Russian and Belarusian … Read more

China Mining Ban Worsened Bitcoin’s Carbon Footprint, Study Claims

Contrary to some expectations, Beijing’s crackdown on the crypto mining industry has increased Bitcoin’s carbon emissions, researchers have alleged. Leaving China, miners also left behind its eco-friendly hydropower and are increasingly relying on energy generated by fossil fuels, they claim. Bitcoin Mining Allegedly Less Green Since Miners’ Exodus From China Cryptocurrency mining has become a … Read more

European Parliament to Cancel Vote on Crypto Assets Framework

The European Parliament will not hold a planned vote on crypto regulations after texts that can be interpreted as an attempt to ban coins with energy-intensive mining sparked negative reactions. The lawmaker leading the legislative effort says the matter needs clarification before MEPs can have a say, but the head of the ECB has insisted … Read more

Sanctions May Not Affect Russia’s Access to Crypto, Reports Claim

As sanctions rain on Russia, following the Kremlin’s decision to invade Ukraine, media reports have suggested that they are unlikely to limit the country’s access to crypto assets. While the Russian elite may use them to circumvent restrictions, ordinary Russians are also likely to keep trading digital coins on foreign platforms. Cryptocurrencies Deemed Potential Tool … Read more

EU Members Want to Task New AML Watchdog With Crypto Oversight, Report Unveils

A group of EU nations have reportedly been lobbying to entrust oversight of the crypto space to a new anti-money laundering (AML) agency. Behind the move are concerns that companies dealing with digital assets can be engaged in the processing of illicit funds. Germany Leads Push to Place Crypto Firms Under EU Anti-Money Laundering Supervision … Read more