There have been four blockchain firms, Fetch.AI, NEM, Ripple, Emurgo and Cardano which have all started to work together to create an association of European blockchain organisations, Blockchain for Europe. According to the new organisation, the policy debate in Europe has been fragmented, so that the firm's objectives are to foster the understanding of blockchain potential within the EU.

In November, the association hosted a summit which brought stakeholders together from around the world in talking about issues such as governance, trade, identity, transport and so on.

The head of regulatory relations, Dan Morgan said that “this is a critical time for policymakers in Europe as they seek to develop the right regulatory framework to capture the benefits of both digital assets and blockchain technology.”

Co-founder and president of the NEM foundation, Kristof Van de Reck also commented on the matter saying:

“There is a lack of unbiased information especially when it comes to the open and decentralised application of the technology. By joining forces with different stakeholders that have blockchain at the core of their business, we aim to provide insights which are not tailored to the agenda of specific organisations or stakeholders.”

This last statement is provided by a firm which provides blockchain.

The Chief Technical Officer and co-founder at Fetch.AI Toby Simpson commented saying:

“The convergence of technologies like machine learning, AI and decentralised ledgers delivers the opportunity for a world where technology works more effectively for the benefit of us all.”

Blockchain in Europe is looking to the future for engaging in conversations with policymakers relevant industry players and academia.

Remaining on the same topic, the banking giant Santander and BBVA were two of the banks which were involved in the European Commission’s planned launch of the International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications in 2019.

BBVA said that the purpose of this publicly sponsored initiative is to “garner support from private blockchain and DLT experts to contribute to outline the EU’s strategy regarding these technologies.”

The head of research and development at BBVA, Carlos Kuchkovsky commented on the matter saying:

“Blockchain and other new technologies – artificial intelligence (AI), for example – have to be understood as simple pieces that make digital ecosystems reliable.”

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