The upcoming European Union elections could serve as a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency regulations, potentially paving the way for the first Ether ETF and influencing the implementation of the MiCA regulatory framework.
EU Elections Could Be a Turning Point for Cryptocurrency Regulations and Ether ETF Approval
This week’s European Union elections may prove decisive regarding cryptocurrency regulations and the acceptance of spot Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
According to Jag Kooner (via Cointelegraph), the director of derivatives at Bitfinex, the European Union’s parliamentary elections from June 6 to June 9 could provide a “wildcard” moment in forming future crypto regulations.
“The elections could see a major shift in the political landscape, with right-wing and populist parties expected to gain substantial ground. This shift could influence regulatory stances, potentially leading to more stringent controls or, conversely, more supportive policies depending on the composition of the new parliament,” Kooner said.
Right-wing parties are expected to gain influence in the European Union elections in 2024.
Co-founder and executive director of the European Crypto Initiative Marina Markezic opined that increasing right-leaning political parties might enact more safeguards for the cryptocurrency sector.
“The right-wing trend will likely leave its mark on the Commission’s activities, including the expected portfolios of the upcoming Commissioners, which might present more visible protectionist tendencies,” Markezic told Cointelegraph.
Markezic further stated that more conservative political parties might forge new allies supporting crypto regulations that foster innovation.
“This political shift might lead to the adoption of the generally counter-status quo rhetoric of the crypto industry by representatives from the (far) right, presenting a new and unexpected ally for the crypto advocacy topics in Brussels and Strasbourg.”
The results of the elections may also impact the impending implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) bill, the first comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in the EU. MiCA is anticipated to enter into force in its entirety in December 2024.
Spot Ether ETFs Gain Momentum in Europe Amid Evolving Regulatory Landscape and SEC Approvals
Spot Ether ETFs are gaining traction with European financial institutions despite the possibility of more conservative crypto regulatory policies. On May 23, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) authorized the 19b-4 filings of eight spot Ether ETF issuers, allowing them to be listed and traded on their respective exchanges.
European financial institutions’ confidence in Ether ETFs has also been bolstered as a result of the decision, according to Kooner of Bitfinex, who told Cointelegraph:
“The approval of Ethereum ETFs in the EU is gaining traction… VanEck and Franklin Templeton have already listed their ETH ETFs on the DTCC in anticipation of regulatory approval. This move sets a strong precedent for the EU, where the regulatory framework provided by the MiCA regulation could facilitate similar approvals.”
Certain prominent banks in Europe are venturing into cryptocurrencies because of the transparency introduced by the MiCA law.
In April, the Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW), the largest federal bank in Germany, declared its intention to commence providing crypto custody services to institutional clients during the latter part of the year.
Raiffeisen, the largest community banking group in Austria, partnered with Bitpanda at the end of April to offer digital asset services to retail banking customers.
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