In a significant move to advance digital innovation within the European Union, Belgium has announced its intention to rejuvenate the European blockchain infrastructure. The ambitious plan is set to take centre stage during Belgium’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2024. The initiative, led by the country’s government, is aimed at accelerating the development of a pan-European blockchain infrastructure. The project holds immense potential for the secure management of official documents and the enhancement of digital services across the EU.
Belgium is enhancing digital infrastructure with blockchain
The cornerstone of Belgium’s proposal is the development of a public blockchain system designed for the entire EU. The initiative is one of the four primary objectives outlined by Mathieu Michel, Belgium’s Secretary of State for Digitization, in an interview with Science|Business on November 21. The project, which is set to revolutionize the way official documents such as driving licenses and property titles are stored and verified, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Europe’s digital infrastructure.
The proposed blockchain system, initially known as the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), was first established by the European Commission in 2018. It was a collaborative effort involving the European Blockchain Partnership, which includes 27 EU member states along with Norway and Liechtenstein. Michel’s vision is to transform this technical project into a more comprehensive European endeavour, encompassing both technical and political dimensions.
Europeum: A new Era for public administration
The revitalized blockchain project, to be rebranded as “Europeum,” is envisioned as a key tool for public administration tasks across the EU. Its primary function would be to facilitate the verification of driver’s licenses and other official documents seamlessly across member states. Moreover, Michel suggests that the revamped blockchain infrastructure could play a crucial role in supporting the digital euro infrastructure.
The emphasis on using a public blockchain developed by EU member states, as opposed to private alternatives, is a strategic choice. Michel highlights the advantages of such an approach, particularly in terms of security, transparency, and privacy. He asserts that a public blockchain can empower citizens by giving them greater control over their data.
International collaboration and regulatory progress
The Europeum project has already garnered significant support within the EU, with Italy, Croatia, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Luxembourg, and Romania signalling their participation. Belgium is set to host the head office of the groundbreaking project, marking a significant step in the country’s leadership in digital innovation within the EU.
The initiative is part of a larger movement towards regulatory consolidation in the realms of crypto and blockchain technology. In early November, a group of 47 national governments pledged to integrate the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) into their domestic legal systems. The new international standard aims to facilitate the automatic exchange of information between tax authorities, reflecting the growing importance of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in the global financial landscape.
Belgium’s proactive approach to leading the blockchain initiative demonstrates the country’s commitment to digital innovation and collaboration within the European Union. The European project, with its focus on public administration and citizen empowerment, represents a significant leap forward in the EU’s journey towards a more integrated and technologically advanced future. As the project unfolds, it is poised to set a new standard for digital governance and cross-border cooperation in the digital age.
Conclusion
Belgium’s leadership in reviving the EU blockchain project, now known as Europeum, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing digital infrastructure and governance within the European Union. The initiative not only promises to streamline public administration tasks but also signifies a broader commitment to digital innovation, security, and citizen empowerment across EU member states. As Europeum takes shape, it is set to become a cornerstone of the EU’s digital future, fostering greater collaboration and technological advancement within the region.
