STA , 5 October 2018 - The European Blockchain Hub , whose aim it is to become a leading European platform bringing together blockchain stakeholders, was officially launched in Ljubljana on Friday. Slovenia has the potential to achieve this, its president Blaž Golob said.

The mission of the hub is to facilitate the development of blockchain technology and start-ups which will be based on "European values and principles of good corporate governance."

The organisation brings together 13 partners, including educational, research and expert organisations from Slovenia and abroad.

The partners - among them the Slovenian government, Digital Innovation Hubom, Blockchain Alliance Europe, Kenup Foundation and Adriatic Council, see the new hub as Slovenia confirming its leading role in blockchain technology.

The hub, which will operate as a non-profit, is based at BTC, Slovenia's largest shopping district, which has been investing heavily in technological tools and is also the home of ABC Accelerator.

It has for example introduced Bitcoin as a payment option and is starting to test driverless vehicles.

BTC's chairman Jože Mermal said the company was transforming the shopping area into an "innovative and digital city."