Political activists and legislators in Kyiv have urged the EU accept Ukraine into the European Blockchain Partnership. They believe the recently adopted law “On Virtual Assets” opens the way for the country to become a blockchain leader on the Old Continent.
Members of the “Virtual Assets of Ukraine” public union and Blockchain4Ukraine, an inter-factional association of Ukrainian lawmakers, are lobbying for Ukraine’s full membership in the European Blockchain Partnership (EBP). The representatives of both organizations have asked the EU to grant their country participation in the initiative.
The appeal was sent by letters to Ursula von der Leyen (the head of her cabinet), Bjoern Sibert (an adviser digital to the executive body in Brussels), and Anthony Whelan (an advisor digital to the executive body, according to crypto news site Forklog).
According to correspondence, blockchain technology could significantly aid the rebuilding of Ukraine. It would facilitate the provision cross-border services after the end of Russia’s military conflict. “EBP will accelerate this recovery, as well as support the further integration of Ukraine and the EU,” they have been quoted as stating.
Ukraine was a leading country in Eastern Europe in crypto adoption when the Russian Federation invaded in February. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, passed the bill “On Virtual Assets” earlier that month. In mid-March, President Volodymyr Zeleskyy made it law.
For its defense and humanitarian needs, the Ukrainian government relies heavily on cryptocurrency donations. The officials behind the initiative to join the EBP are also convinced the new legislation will allow Ukraine to become a “European blockchain leader” in the future.
Bjoern seibert declared last summer that EBP members were willing to consider granting Ukraine observer statut. The Ukrainians insist that full membership would allow the country access to the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure, (EBSI), which provides cross-border electronic services.
