Russia Shuts off Europe’s Main Gas Pipeline Until the West’s Sanctions Are Lifted, Iran Tempts EU With Similar Deal

Russia has seemingly drawn a line in the sand and will not turn on Europe’s main gas pipeline until the “collective West” lifts the financial sanctions against the country. The move follows the Nord Stream 1 pipeline allegedly shutting down for “maintenance,” but reports from Interfax that followed five days later indicate Moscow will not … Read more

Georgia to Update Crypto Regulations to Incorporate EU Rules, Legalize Industry

The government of Georgia has approved amendments to the legal framework for the Caucasian nation’s financial sector, including additional regulations for crypto and fintech activities. The move aims to align Georgian law with relevant EU provisions. Parliament of Georgia to Vote on Crypto Legislation in Coming Months A legislative package expanding the regulatory framework for … Read more

British Fintech Revolut Granted Crypto License in Cyprus

U.K.-based digital bank Revolut has been authorized by Cyprus to provide cryptocurrency services to millions of customers on the Old Continent. The fintech firm says the regulatory approval will allow it to establish a European crypto hub in the island nation. Revolut to Expand Crypto Services for Europeans From Cyprus A leader in the neobank … Read more

EU Parliament’s Rapporteur on MiCA Crypto Law Stefan Berger Sells Pair of Slides as NFT

“Freedom in a wallet” is how Member of European Parliament Stefan Berger describes the non-fungible token (NFT) he is now selling on Opensea. The NFT represents a pair of ‘Bergoletten’ slides. Shoes symbolize the first step in every development, says Berger who invested efforts in making sure Europe’s upcoming crypto legislation gets the backing of … Read more

Europe’s Securities Regulator ESMA Seeks to Obtain Crypto Transaction Data

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is gearing up to implement stricter oversight in regards to crypto-related transactions. The agency is now looking to hire suppliers of trading data, as monitoring major participants in the market falls under its responsibilities. ESMA Launches Public Procurement for Providers of Crypto Trading Data The securities watchdog of … Read more

European Banking Authority Concerned About Hiring Talent to Oversee Crypto Space

Europe’s banking sector regulator is worried it won’t manage to find the specialized personnel needed for the oversight of the EU’s attempt to regulate the crypto market. The authority is also concerned over the lack of clarity regarding which digital assets it’s supposed to supervise. Banking Watchdog Faces Staffing Problems Threatening Its Ability to Regulate … Read more

ECB’s Lagarde, Panetta See Digital Euro as More Efficient Payment Means Than Crypto

Unbacked cryptocurrencies are not an efficient means of payment and stablecoins are vulnerable to runs, top officials at the European Central Bank have pointed out in a new article making the case for a digital euro. The executives have marked key objectives for the project which should provide Europeans with “easy access to central bank … Read more

ECB Calls for Urgent Regulation of Stablecoins and Defi, Won’t Rule Out Bitcoin Mining Ban

A new report by the European Central Bank (ECB), presented as a “deep dive into crypto financial risks,” calls for “appropriate” regulation and oversight of stablecoins and decentralized finance (defi). It also addresses the hot topic of Bitcoin’s carbon footprint in Europe, suggesting a ban on proof-of-work mining is probable. Growth of Stablecoins, Defi Warrants … Read more

Euro Reaches Parity Against the US Dollar, While the USD Index Taps a 20-Year High

Eight days ago, the euro tapped a record low against the U.S. dollar as it hit $1.028 per unit against the USD last Tuesday. This week, the official currency for 19 of the European Union’s member states reached parity against the U.S. dollar for the first time in 20 years. Euro Hits Parity Against the … Read more

Euro Drops to 20-Year Low Against the US Dollar, Tapping $1.028 per Unit — Analyst Says Parity Is Imminent

The euro has had a sluggish start to the second half of 2022 as the fiat currency slid to a 20-year low against the U.S. dollar. The drop adds to the fear that the global economy is in a recession and analysts believe that the risk of “parity is just a matter of time now.” … Read more