Poland Stands Alone: EU’s Only Country Without Crypto Rules After Failed Vote
Poland is now the sole EU member without domestic rules for MiCA after a parliamentary vote failed to override the President's veto.Summary
Poland has become the only European Union member state without a domestic regulatory framework for the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation after a parliamentary vote on December 5 fell short of the required majority to overturn President Nawrocki's veto. The political deadlock highlights deep divisions between Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-EU coalition, which framed the bill as necessary for national security against illicit funding, and the President, who vetoed it citing threats to freedom and stability, particularly objecting to a provision allowing the Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) to block crypto websites with one click.
The crypto industry itself was divided, with some seeking regulatory clarity while others, like the CEO of Zondacrypto, warned the bill was overly restrictive. While other EU nations like Germany and the Netherlands are already issuing licenses under MiCA, allowing them access to the EU's 'passporting' system, Poland's regulatory vacuum leaves its crypto companies unable to operate seamlessly across the bloc.
Despite this uncertainty, Poland's crypto market is thriving, ranking eighth in Europe for value received, with nearly one-fifth of its population using cryptocurrency. The failed vote forces lawmakers to restart the entire legislative process, with the most probable path being the creation of new legislation that balances EU compliance with the President's demands. Finance Minister Andrzej Domański warned that the lack of rules exposes consumers to fraud, and if a regulatory authority is not designated by July 2026, firms may register elsewhere, diverting tax revenue.
(Source：Brave New Coin)