22 COUNTRIES SIGN DECLARATION FOR EUROPEAN BLOCKCHAIN PARTNERSHIP

Last updated: June 30, 2025, 02:07 | Written by: Tarek Jin

Imagine a Europe where digital services flow seamlessly across borders, where secure and transparent transactions are the norm, and where innovation thrives in a harmonized regulatory landscape. As the cryptocurrency market struggles to regain its footing after a record-setting run late last year, traditional financial institutions, corporations, and governments are all looking to co-opt Bitcoin's underlying technology for their own purposes including the European Union.This vision moved closer to reality on April 10th, 2025, as 22 European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and Norway, formally signed a declaration to establish the European Blockchain Partnership (EBP). The member states of European Union signed a Declaration to establish a European Blockchain Partnership. According to the official website of European Commission, 22 countries have participated in this agreement to create a Digital Single Market that aims to position Europe as the world leader in blockchain industry.This landmark agreement signifies a commitment to collaborative efforts in developing and deploying blockchain technology across the Digital Single Market.The partnership aims to foster the exchange of technical and regulatory expertise, paving the way for the launch of EU-wide blockchain applications that benefit both the public and private sectors. 22 European countries have signed a Declaration on the Establishment of a European Blockchain Partnership. It is expected that this event will provide impetus to the development of collaboration between the Members to exchange expertise and experience in regulatory and technical spheres, as well as get prepared for the launch of EU blockchain technologies across the Digital Single Market.This collaborative initiative, stemming from the European Commission's (EC) Digital Day 2025, seeks to position Europe as a global leader in the burgeoning blockchain industry, ensuring its citizens and businesses can reap the rewards of this transformative technology.This declaration is not just a symbolic gesture; it's a concrete step towards building a more connected, secure, and innovative digital future for Europe.

The Genesis of the European Blockchain Partnership

The seeds of the EBP were sown long before the signing ceremony.Recognizing the potential of distributed ledger technology (DLT), including blockchain, to revolutionize various sectors, the European Commission has actively promoted its adoption.The creation of a Blockchain Observatory and Forum in February 2025 served as a crucial precursor, fostering dialogue and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. The Blockchain partnership declaration was launched at the Digital Day 2025, and was signed by twenty-one EU Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK.This initiative provided a platform to identify key challenges and opportunities related to blockchain deployment in Europe.The establishment of the EBP represents the next logical step, translating vision into action through concrete collaboration and shared resources.

Digital Day 2025: A Catalyst for Collaboration

The signing of the EBP declaration took place during the European Commission's Digital Day 2025.This annual event serves as a platform for EU member states to discuss and commit to initiatives aimed at advancing the Digital Single Market. The newfound partnership will be a guide for cooperation among Member States to exchange experience and expertise in technical and regulatory fields and prepare for the launch of EU-wide blockchain applications.Digital Day 2025 provided the perfect backdrop for launching the EBP, highlighting the EU's commitment to embracing innovative technologies and fostering cross-border collaboration.

Objectives of the European Blockchain Partnership

The EBP is driven by a clear set of objectives, all geared towards maximizing the benefits of blockchain technology for Europe:

Establishing a European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI): The EBSI will serve as the foundational infrastructure for delivering cross-border digital public services, ensuring security, privacy, and interoperability.
Promoting Interoperability: The partnership aims to prevent fragmented approaches by harmonizing technical and regulatory standards across member states.
Facilitating Knowledge Exchange: The EBP provides a platform for member states to share technical and regulatory expertise, fostering a common understanding of blockchain technology and its applications.
Preparing for EU-wide Blockchain Applications: The partnership will work towards launching blockchain applications that address specific needs within the Digital Single Market, benefiting both public and private sectors.
Positioning Europe as a Global Leader: By fostering innovation and collaboration, the EBP seeks to establish Europe as a leading player in the global blockchain landscape.

Key Member States and Their Roles

The 22 countries that signed the declaration represent a diverse range of perspectives and expertise in blockchain technology.Some of the key member states and their potential roles include:

United Kingdom: Despite Brexit, the UK remains committed to collaborating with European partners on blockchain initiatives, bringing its expertise in financial technology and regulatory innovation to the table.
France: France has been a strong advocate for blockchain adoption, with a focus on leveraging the technology for supply chain management and digital identity.
Germany: Germany's industrial prowess and focus on data security make it a key player in developing secure and reliable blockchain solutions.
Norway: As a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), Norway is actively participating in the EBP, bringing its expertise in energy and maritime sectors to the partnership.
Spain: Spain has been exploring the use of blockchain in various sectors, including tourism and agriculture, and will contribute its insights to the partnership.
Netherlands: The Netherlands is known for its innovative approach to regulation and its strong blockchain ecosystem, making it a valuable contributor to the EBP.

The initial signatories included: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.The inclusion of Norway demonstrates the reach beyond the EU proper.

The European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI): Building the Foundation

The European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) is a cornerstone of the EBP, serving as the technical foundation for cross-border digital public services. The European Commission s (EC) Digital Day 2025 has led to the signing of a Declaration to create a European Blockchain Partnership made of up 22 countries, according to an April 10The EBSI aims to provide a secure, scalable, and interoperable platform for governments and businesses to build and deploy blockchain applications.

Key Features of the EBSI

Decentralized Infrastructure: The EBSI will be built on a distributed network of nodes, ensuring resilience and preventing single points of failure.
Secure and Transparent Transactions: Blockchain technology will provide a tamper-proof record of transactions, enhancing trust and accountability.
Interoperability: The EBSI will be designed to interoperate with existing systems and other blockchain networks, promoting seamless data exchange.
Privacy by Design: The EBSI will incorporate privacy-enhancing technologies to protect sensitive data and comply with GDPR regulations.
Scalability: The EBSI will be designed to handle a large volume of transactions, ensuring it can meet the demands of cross-border digital services.

Potential Applications of the EBSI

The EBSI has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of public services, including:

Digital Identity: Secure and verifiable digital identities for citizens and businesses, simplifying access to online services and reducing identity fraud.
Cross-Border Payments: Faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border payments, reducing reliance on traditional banking systems.
Supply Chain Management: Tracking and tracing goods across borders, improving efficiency and transparency in supply chains.
Data Sovereignty: Empowering citizens to control their own data and decide how it is used.
Education Credentials: Verifying and recognizing educational qualifications across borders, facilitating student and worker mobility.

Addressing Key Challenges and Concerns

While the EBP holds immense promise, it also faces several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its success:

Regulatory Uncertainty: The lack of a harmonized regulatory framework for blockchain technology across Europe could hinder its adoption.
Technical Complexity: Developing and deploying blockchain applications requires specialized skills and expertise.
Scalability Issues: Some blockchain platforms may struggle to handle the large volume of transactions required for widespread adoption.
Security Risks: Blockchain networks are vulnerable to various security threats, such as 51% attacks and smart contract vulnerabilities.
Data Privacy Concerns: Ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations and protecting sensitive data on blockchain networks is crucial.

Mitigating Regulatory Uncertainty

The EBP aims to address regulatory uncertainty by fostering dialogue among member states and promoting the development of a harmonized regulatory framework. The European Commission s (EC) Digital Day 2025 has led to the signing of a Declaration to create a European Blockchain Partnership made of up 22 countries, according to an April 10 EuropeanThis includes:

Sharing best practices: Member states can share their experiences in regulating blockchain technology, identifying successful approaches and avoiding pitfalls.
Developing common standards: The EBP can work towards developing common standards for blockchain applications, ensuring interoperability and reducing regulatory fragmentation.
Engaging with industry stakeholders: The EBP can engage with industry stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns, ensuring that regulations are fit for purpose.

Building a Skilled Workforce

To address the shortage of skilled blockchain professionals, the EBP can support initiatives such as:

Education and training programs: Investing in education and training programs to develop a skilled workforce in blockchain technology.
Research and development: Funding research and development projects to advance the state of the art in blockchain technology.
Collaboration with universities and research institutions: Partnering with universities and research institutions to develop blockchain curricula and conduct cutting-edge research.

The Role of the Digital Single Market

The Digital Single Market (DSM) is a key enabler of the EBP, providing a harmonized regulatory framework and a level playing field for businesses operating across Europe. 22 European countries signed a Declaration on the establishment of a European Blockchain Partnership on Tuesday . The partnership should ensure that Europe continues to play a leading role in the development and roll-out of blockchain technologies, according to a press release on the European Commission s website.The DSM aims to remove barriers to cross-border digital trade and promote innovation in the digital sector.The EBP aligns perfectly with the goals of the DSM, leveraging blockchain technology to create a more efficient, secure, and transparent digital ecosystem.

Benefits of the Digital Single Market for Blockchain Adoption

Increased Market Access: The DSM provides businesses with access to a larger market, increasing the potential for blockchain applications to scale.
Reduced Regulatory Burden: The DSM harmonizes regulations across member states, reducing the regulatory burden for businesses operating across borders.
Enhanced Innovation: The DSM promotes innovation by fostering competition and collaboration among businesses.
Improved Consumer Protection: The DSM enhances consumer protection by ensuring that consumers have access to redress mechanisms and remedies.

Practical Examples of Blockchain Applications in the EU

The EBP is not just about theoretical frameworks; it's about real-world applications that can benefit citizens and businesses. 22 European countries sign a declaration of a blockchain partnership. Additionally, members of the European Union and the European Economic Area were invited to join. Read more here ⬇️Here are some practical examples of how blockchain technology is being used in the EU:

Estonia's e-Residency Program: Estonia's e-Residency program uses blockchain technology to provide secure digital identities to individuals and businesses around the world.
The EU's Customs Union: Blockchain technology is being explored to streamline customs procedures and improve the efficiency of cross-border trade.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA): The EMA is using blockchain technology to track and trace medicines, preventing counterfeiting and ensuring the safety of patients.
The European Commission's Blockchain for Social Good Initiative: This initiative supports projects that use blockchain technology to address social and environmental challenges.

Future Prospects and the Road Ahead

The signing of the declaration is just the first step.The real work lies ahead in implementing the EBP's objectives and building a thriving blockchain ecosystem in Europe.This involves:

Developing and deploying the EBSI: The EBSI needs to be built and tested, ensuring it meets the needs of governments and businesses.
Harmonizing regulations: Member states need to work together to harmonize regulations for blockchain technology, creating a level playing field across Europe.
Fostering innovation: The EBP needs to support innovation by providing funding, resources, and mentorship to blockchain startups.
Promoting awareness: The EBP needs to raise awareness of the benefits of blockchain technology among citizens and businesses.

The success of the EBP will depend on the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, researchers, and citizens. 22 Countries Sign Declaration For European Blockchain PartnershipBy working together, Europe can unlock the full potential of blockchain technology and create a more prosperous and inclusive digital future.

Conclusion: Embracing the Blockchain Revolution

The 22 countries signing the declaration for the European Blockchain Partnership marks a pivotal moment in Europe's digital transformation.It's a testament to the EU's commitment to embracing innovation and fostering collaboration in the face of technological disruption. ⁠22 Countries Sign Declaration For European Blockchain Partnership During the European Commission Digital Day 2025 yesterday, 22 countries signed a declaration for a European Blockchain Partnership.The EBP provides a framework for building a secure, transparent, and interoperable blockchain ecosystem that benefits citizens, businesses, and governments alike.While challenges remain, the potential rewards are immense. COINEWS.ORG - 22 Countries Sign Declaration For European Blockchain Partnership The European Commission s (EC) Digital Day 2025 has led to the signing of a Declaration to create a European Coin News - 🌐COINEWS.ORG - 22 Countries Sign DeclarationBy addressing regulatory uncertainty, building a skilled workforce, and fostering innovation, Europe can position itself as a global leader in the blockchain revolution.The establishment of the EBSI promises to revolutionize cross-border digital public services, while the harmonization of regulations will create a level playing field for businesses.The future of blockchain in Europe is bright, and the EBP is paving the way for a more connected, secure, and innovative digital future.This initiative isn't just about technology; it's about building trust and empowering individuals in the digital age.It is about ensuring that Europe remains competitive and at the forefront of the next wave of technological advancement. On Ap countries in the European Union signed a Declaration on the Establishment of a European Blockchain Partnership. Cryptocurrency market tries hard to regain its base after a record-setting run late last year.The European Blockchain Partnership sets the stage for a future where blockchain technology drives efficiency, transparency, and innovation across the continent.Now is the time to learn more about blockchain and consider how you or your organization can benefit from this groundbreaking technology.