Is Catalonia Europe’s Newest Blockchain Hub?

A new player that is on its way to becoming one of the most blockchain-friendly hubs in the world, like Malta, Japan, and Gibraltar is the Spanish region of Catalan. Catalonia which has been a victim of much political controversy is looking forward to integrating blockchain technology into various aspects of its regulatory framework. An e-voting system, completely supported by blockchain technology was introduced first by the Estonia, and their success has prompted the Catalan government to consider implementing blockchain technology into its voting systems. A draft bill was first passed by the Generalitat of Catalonia in October 2018, subsequently giving the region the green light to begin making the necessary preparations. It is hoped that the blockchain-based e-voting system will be operational by 2020.

This, however, is not the first time that Catalan has expressed an interest in blockchain as it was in the July of 2018, that they had announced their plans to figure out how the technology can bridge the gap between companies, citizens and the public administration.

As per the Department of Digital Policies in Catalan, it is hoped that a working group can ascertain how best to use the blockchain protocol to maximize its economic value.

It was also reported late last year that the Catalan Government were utilizing the practical benefits of cryptocurrencies with the view of funding their political aspirations. One such example of this was the President of Catalan asking for donations from its regional citizens in the form of Bitcoin to help support legal, logistical and procedural endeavours.

Even though not it is only time that can tell if Catalan is to Europe’s next blockchain hub, the government of Catalan has made its stance clear on the future of blockchain technology. If anything the upcoming Barcelona Trading Conference, which is being hosted in the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB) on July 10th-11th also indicates to the same fact.

Rishma Banerjee

Rishma is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and has a special place in her life for sifting through all sorts of random trivia, thank you very much.