Introduction: A Call for Innovation
In a surprising twist in the Spanish political landscape, the left-wing coalition Unidos Podemos has put forth a plea to the government to tap into the transformative potential of blockchain technology. It’s like asking Spain to embrace the 21st century while it’s still getting used to the Wi-Fi password!
Formation of a Blockchain Committee
Unidos Podemos is asking for the establishment of a subcommittee tasked with examining blockchain capabilities and the regulation of digital currencies. This committee would include public administrations, industry experts, and state officials, teaming up like the Avengers of the digital realm. Imagine the brainstorming sessions: “What’s the ROI on a decentralized pizza ordering system?”
The Vision Behind the Initiative
Alberto Montero, a deputy in the coalition, insists on exploring the “enormous potential” of blockchain to trim government expenses and enhance security for transactions. Because if there’s anything better than a secure government, it’s one that doesn’t tickle our wallets as much!
Navigating the Crypto Gray Area
Spain’s digital currencies—like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin—currently reside in a murky regulatory zone resembling a basement filled with questionable tech choices. To combat this, Unidos Podemos suggests a concerted effort to craft a coherent policy framework that would illuminate the shadowy corners of cryptocurrency regulation.
Lessons from the EU Blockchain Observatory
The coalition plans to model its policies on the findings of the EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum, which was launched by the European Commission back in 2018. Ever since then, it seems Sweden is just waiting for an invitation to the block party!
Political Moves in Favor of Blockchain
It’s not just Unidos Podemos waving the blockchain flag! Earlier this summer, a group of 133 deputies from the ruling Partido Popular also presented a bill to leverage blockchain technology within public administration. It’s the kind of bipartisan effort that makes you wonder if everyone suddenly discovered that blockchain is not just a tech jargon but the new low-fat yogurt of government efficiency.
Public Institutions Join the Party
Even public institutions are getting in on the action, with the Spanish Society of Authors and Publishers (SGAE) and the Madrid School of Telecommunications Engineering (ETSIT-UPM) teaming up to apply blockchain for digital copyright management. Let’s hope they don’t end up with a ‘who’s on first?’ routine over ownership rights.
Looking Ahead
With the Spanish Congress expressing unanimous support for a regulatory framework aimed at both blockchain technology and crypto—back in May 2018, mind you—it appears that change could be on the horizon. However, whether this initiative will result in tangible progress or just turn into another political buzzword buffet remains to be seen.
