European Union

Italy has passed the EU’s first full AI law, introducing human oversight, strict rules against misuse, and penalties for crimes like deepfakes and fraud. The law covers key sectors, requires transparency, and provides €1 billion to support domestic AI and tech innovation.

France has issued a stark warning that it could move to block crypto firms from operating within its borders using EU-wide “passport” licenses, raising the stakes in Europe’s rollout of its landmark Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The move underscores growing concerns in Paris that regulatory loopholes could allow firms to shop for the weakest jurisdictions, undermining investor protection and the credibility of the bloc’s new framework.

Coinbase has released a new video on their social media, mocking the economic frenzy in the United Kingdom.

Microsoft is likely to follow the EU’s voluntary AI rules, while Meta has refused to sign, saying the code is too vague and strict. The EU’s code asks AI developers to share data details, follow copyright rules, and manage risks before full enforcement starts in August 2025.

The European Union has sanctioned a network of individuals and entities accused of leveraging digital assets to circumvent sanctions and finance pro-Russian disinformation efforts throughout Europe.

Coinbase got a new EU-wide licence from Luxembourg, allowing it to offer crypto services across all EU countries under one approval. The move shows Luxembourg’s friendly rules for crypto firms, but some worry it could lead to weaker regulation and less consumer protection across Europe.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov warned that France is weakening due to growing censorship and tighter control over online speech. He said these actions are driving talent abroad and could lead to a major crisis if reforms are delayed.

Société Générale's crypto arm has launched a new US dollar stablecoin, USDCV, on the Ethereum and Solana blockchains, with BNY Mellon safeguarding its reserves. This strategic move expands their digital asset offerings beyond Europe and aims to support instant settlements and liquidity access for institutional and retail investors.

Kenya’s proposed 1.5% crypto tax risks undermining its fintech leadership, potentially driving startups and talent abroad and slowing Africa’s digital integration.

A French court blocked Telegram founder Pavel Durov from travelling to Norway to speak at the Oslo Freedom Forum due to ongoing legal charges in France. He will now deliver his speech online, while Telegram also faces a possible ban in Vietnam over crime concerns.