The European Commission is evaluating whether the EU's crypto-asset framework requires further updates to address emerging risks and regulatory gaps, and has launched a public and targeted consultation to gather stakeholder input, Commissioner Albuquerque stated in a written answer to a parliamentary question on 24 July 2026. The move signals the Commission's intention to preserve transparency, consumer protection, and systemic risk mitigation in crypto-asset and decentralised finance markets, while also strengthening the EU's competitiveness in digital finance vis-à-vis major third-country jurisdictions.
The answer was given to a question by Renew MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk, who had asked about additional regulatory measures post-MiCA, a pan-European framework for crypto taxation and anti-money laundering coordination, and the impact of cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and the digital euro on financial stability and EU competitiveness. Albuquerque's response largely reiterates existing measures already adopted under MiCA and related legislation, rather than announcing new proposals. She noted that anti-money laundering obligations have been extended to all crypto-asset service providers, anonymous crypto-asset accounts will be banned from July 2027, and the recently amended Directive on Administrative Cooperation mandates automated exchange of tax-relevant crypto-asset data among Member States.
The Commission's impact assessments for MiCA and the digital euro, conducted prior to their adoption, had already identified key risks and proposed adequate mitigation measures, Albuquerque said. The consultation launched on 20 May 2026 is the main vehicle for assessing whether additional measures are needed. No timeline for legislative follow-up was provided, but the consultation signals that the Commission is open to adjusting the framework as the market evolves.
The answer reflects a cautious, incremental approach to crypto regulation, balancing innovation support with investor protection and financial stability. The Commission is not currently proposing new legislation but is gathering evidence to inform future decisions. The consultation's outcome will likely shape any subsequent proposals, which could address decentralised finance, stablecoin oversight, and competitiveness concerns relative to the US and Asian markets.