That the Blockchain is a subject of strong attention to the European Union has long been clear.
Already last year, the European Commission had published an interesting paper, in which he explained in simple terms the advantages of Blockchain in the lives of citizens; a few weeks ago he presented a call for proposals, with huge funds destined for Blockchain for the social sector.
Now, a new initiative announced in these days.
The European Commission has inaugurated an EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum, whose task is to keep track of technological developments and also to promote the role of European companies involved in this front, precisely because of the benefits, which in terms of traceability and security, may derive from their use.
For the European Union, there is not only Finance for the Blockchain
The Commission does not refer only to economic transactions, but also and above all to the entire digital services front and the possible impacts on changes in organizational and business models in the most diverse sectors, from healthcare to insurance, from finance to logistics, up to public services.
Interestingly, beyond the declarations of interest expressed by Andrus Ansip, Vice President responsible for the Digital Single Market, and Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President responsible for Financial Stability, which underline the safety and innovation aspects of Blockchain, is the position taken by Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner responsible for Digital Economy and Society.
For Gabriel, Europe must be at the forefront of the development of the Blockchain and the European Union must set the right conditions for this development.
Above all, the goal must be a "digital market for blockchain for the benefit of all citizens, instead of a mosaic of initiatives".
Focus on best practices
The initiatives in the Blockchain field are part of the seventh framework program for research and Horizon 2020, which for five years now provide investments in Blockchain. The funds are: within the next two years, Blockchain projects are earmarked funds of up to 340 million euros.
In particular, the Commission aims to broaden the initiatives already under way, while the new observatory will have the task of identifying both the new areas of development and application, and to increase the skills in this area, and still follow current trends.
The goal, in line with the objectives of Mariya Gabriel, is to ensure that the experiences and best practices gained can become common assets in a logic of cross-border cooperation.
The role of ConsenSys
The Forum will see the participation of technicians, innovators, citizens, sector operators, public authorities, regulators and supervisors, in a constantly active discussion table.
An important role in this scenario is played by ConsenSys, a well-known operator especially in the Ethereum world, which won the tender promoted at the time by the EU and is therefore a partner of the Observatory for dissemination activities and for the management of the Observatory and Forum itself. .