ECB policymaker Cipollone said the digital euro will be structured to protect European card networks and keep banks central to the euro-area payments system, aiming to preserve incumbent infrastructure and stability.
OKX has been granted a Payments Institution license in Malta, aligning the exchange with new EU regulatory requirements coming into force in March 2026. The approval paves the way for wider stablecoin use and expansion of crypto-linked card services across the region.
President Nawrocki has delivered a second veto on a controversial crypto law drafted by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s cabinet, citing concerns about stricter national rules that exceed EU standards. The move keeps current regulatory uncertainty in place for Polish crypto firms.
The EU said it would pursue strong retaliatory measures against the U.S. after President Trump’s new tariffs, a development that coincided with a sharp crypto market sell-off and widespread liquidations. Traders and exchanges reported heavy forced selling as risk-off sentiment swept across markets.
Moldova will introduce its first cryptocurrency law in 2026, aligning domestic rules with the EU's MiCA framework while warning citizens about digital-asset risks. The move aims to bring regulatory clarity and investor protections.
An open letter from over 60 economists published on Jan. 12, 2026 urges EU lawmakers to implement an effective digital euro, warning that failure to act could cede control of Europe’s money to foreign or private payment systems. The signatories say a well‑designed CBDC is needed to preserve monetary sovereignty and the transmission of policy.
The Council of the European Union has approved moving forward with the ECB’s digital euro project, endorsing both an online model and a privacy-focused offline variant. The decision clears a political hurdle toward pilots and technical development.