Belgium, which will assume the role of the country holding the presidency of the EU Council from January 1, has announced plans to develop transnational blockchain infrastructure. Local media reports cite Minister of Digitalization Mathieu Michel for this information.
The primary focus is expected to be on using distributed ledger technology for the mutual recognition of diplomas, driver’s licenses, property rights, document tracking, as well as financing small and medium-sized businesses within the Eurozone.
To achieve this, Michel is promoting the idea of revamping the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), created in 2018, under the name “Europeum,” with its headquarters in Belgium.
The official noted that the project will support the digital euro and serve as the foundation for creating digital twins of cities, aiding in, for example, predicting flood risks.
“In terms of security, transparency, and privacy, blockchain can return control of citizens’ data to them,” said Michel.
Member states have already allocated €1 million for the initiative, but Michel is hopeful for additional funding from the European Commission.
Italy, Croatia, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Luxembourg, and Romania have signed the plan and will help determine the project’s structure, but Michel states that other countries will have the opportunity to use the blockchain. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with the authorities of Japan and South Korea regarding the recognition of documents beyond Europe.
Alongside this, Belgium aims to promote AI and online anonymity to foster digital sovereignty in Europe.
It’s worth noting that in March 2022, activists and lawmakers appealed to the heads of EU institutional bodies to include Ukraine among full-fledged members of the European Blockchain Partnership with access to the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI).
