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Four major blockchain companies, Ripple, EMURGO, Fetch and NEM, have formed the "Blockchain for Europe" association, which, among other things, will act as lobbying for European based blockchain organizations, according to its press release. The Blockchain for Europe is set to be the first substantial attempt to unify blockchain-based companies in Europe.
In a post on Medium, NEM explained the reason why the association was created: "The policy debate in Europe has been fragmented – with inconsistent information from those outside the blockchain sector challenging consensus within it."
The Mandate
An organization of the potential applications of blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) within the European Union (EU). It will also help to ensure that the regulatory measures that are expected to be enforced through the continent will help to breathe new life into blockchain-related innovation and advancement. It will also help to develop smart regulation, which will shape the blockchain agenda in the foreseeable future.
As part of its agenda, Blockchain for Europe and its member states can catalyze growth in the blockchain and crypto sector.
The association hosted at Blockchain for Europe Summit last week, along with some of the largest parliamentary groups in Europe. At the summit, global leaders were able to confer and offer opinions on various global sectors, including transportation, government, and finance. However, a focus on the benefits that blockchain tech can hold for all companies involved, as well as fostering transparent relations and communications between policymakers.
Dan Morgan, Head of Regulatory Relations for Europe at Ripple, noted the importance of the association for the blockchain companies based in Europe.
"Ripple is delighted to be a founding member of Blockchain for Europe. This is a critical time for policymakers in the digital assets and blockchain technology, "he explained in the press release.
Manmeet Singh, Chief Information Officer at EMURGO, also added:
Cardano globally, we are very keen to work with the European institutions in crafting the rules and regulations that will enable blockchain technology to thrive globally, expanding the impact of our third generation blockchain Cardano , all under the leadership of EU governance. "
Nothing but Smokescreen?
However, despite the use of the founding members, some rumors imply the association was created to serve the interests of blockchain companies, especially considering the imminence of European regulatory measures.
They have been raised on the setup of the founding companies. NEM and EMURGO are both Asian businesses, while Fetch.AI is based in the U.K. and Ripple is based in the U.S. For a European association, the company involved is somewhat confusing, which lends further to the fact that the association has a hidden agenda.
European regulators have started to cozy up to the blockchain technology. The European Commission created a group, the EU Blockchain Observatory, and Forum, to monitor the industry and support the interests of the consumers. The agency released a report that gave a green light to thrive alongside the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
GDPR-compliant Internet, or GDPR-compliant artificial intelligence algorithm, there is no such thing as a GDPR-compliant blockchain technology, "the reports insists. There are only GDPR-compliant use cases and applications. "
