Published in the Official Journal of the European Union on May 23, 2024,[1] Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1432 of May 21, 2024, established the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium for the European Blockchain Partnership and the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (so-called EUROPEUM-EDIC).
Background of the initiative
In accordance with Art. 14(1) of Decision (EU) 2022/2481, on June 14, 2023, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Croatia and Slovenia submitted an application to the Commission for the establishment of the consortium for a European digital infrastructure for the European Partnership for Blockchain and the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EUROPEUM-EDIC); Luxembourg, Romania, Greece and Cyprus then joined the group of member states that submitted such an application on September 7, 2023, October 30, 2023, January 31, 2024 and April 5, 2024, respectively.
The Commission evaluated the application in accordance with Article 14(2) of Decision (EU) 2022/2481 and concluded that the application contained all the elements required under the said Article 14.
In particular, taking into account the overall objectives of the Strategic Digital Decade Program, particularly the contribution of the proposed EDIC to the development of a comprehensive and sustainable ecosystem of interoperable digital infrastructures, and the practical considerations related to the implementation of the multinational project, particularly with regard to the technical, financial, and administrative capacity of the proposed EDIC, the Commission concluded that the EDIC meets all the specific requirements set forth in Articles 13 – 21 of Decision (EU) 2022/2481.
Key objectives for the blockchain industry
The European Commission has established the EUROPEUM-EDIC to advance blockchain technology within the EU. This initiative builds upon the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), launched in 2018, which aims to create cross-border blockchain services for public administrations, businesses, and citizens.
In fact, EUROPEUM-EDIC is a new legal entity designed to enhance and expand the applications of EBSI, facilitating its transition from pilot projects to full-scale production. This consortium involves a cooperative effort among nine Member States and aims to integrate blockchain into various public services to reinforce trust and cybersecurity across the EU. By the end of 2024, EUROPEUM-EDIC is expected to be operational, positioning itself to compete with similar initiatives from China and Latin America.
The establishment of EUROPEUM-EDIC is part of a broader strategy under the EU’s Digital Decade policy program, aimed at advancing Europe’s digital infrastructure and capabilities. This initiative aligns with the EU’s goals of achieving digital sovereignty and reducing dependence on non-EU technology solutions. It also includes provisions for additional funding and grants to support EBSI’s continued development and the creation of EUROPEUM-EDIC.
References
- European Commission (21.05.2024), “Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1432 of 21 May 2024 setting up the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium for European Blockchain Partnership and European Blockchain Service Infrastructure (EUROPEUM-EDIC).” Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024D1432 ↑
