EU4Digital and INATBA event supports Eastern Partnership blockchain development and international cooperation

EU4Digital ICT Innovation hosted an online networking event on 30 March 2023 to support the development of a blockchain ecosystem in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region. Blockchain associations, industry players, key innovation ecosystem actors and EaP government representatives discussed opportunities to join and cooperate with the International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications (INATBA) and its leading partnerships.

More than 50 participants represented around 30 EaP organisations, including the central banks involved in the development of a regulatory framework; blockchain associations; IT business associations including FinTech businesses; start-ups and industry players in the area of  blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies (DLTs); educational community organisations with a blockchain focus, as well as  ministerial-level representatives and agencies coordinating the development of innovation ecosystems in the Eastern partner countries. 

The ultimate goal of the event was to support the integration of EaP blockchain associations and policymakers into the community of thought leaders and similar EU organisations, which could foster a positive change in the regulation and development of an innovation-friendly blockchain ecosystem in the Eastern partner countries. 

Diving into the blockchain ecosystem

Rūta Šalvytė-Tamošiūnienė, EU4Digital Facility Deputy Team Leader, opened by explaining the event’s aims and by introducing the EU4Digital programme. Margherita Leder, Member of the Board of Directors of INATBA, then prepared the audience to dive into the rich environment of INATBA and its global activity.  

INATBA was launched to create the environment where blockchain solutions can flourish, …where we can have an open conversation with regulators and policymakers on how this technology is changing the market and how it impacts the workforce.

Live discussion with EaP invitees was a feature of the event. This covered many practical issues raised by the participating companies, regulators and associations. Responding to a question about interesting cases for blockchain solutions in the regulatory area, Tonia Damvakeraki advised all participants to familiarise themselves with the European blockchain regulatory sandbox for Distributed Ledger Technologies. This contains key information regarding the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure, innovative cross-border public sector blockchain services and opportunities for developers.  

Further information: EU4Digital and INATBA event supports Eastern Partnership blockchain development and international cooperation – EU4Digital (eufordigital.eu)