EU Lawmaker Sarah Knafo Advocates for Bitcoin Reserve as Alternative to Digital Euro

As a seasoned researcher who has witnessed the evolution of digital assets and their integration into mainstream finance, I find myself intrigued by the growing momentum towards the adoption of Bitcoin as a national reserve. Having closely followed the debates surrounding this topic, I am convinced that the time is ripe for countries like the European Union to consider Bitcoin as a strategic asset, not just for its potential hedge against inflation but also for the competitive edge it could provide in the global landscape.

As more people recognize Bitcoin as a reliable asset for preserving value and protecting against inflation, there’s growing interest in incorporating it alongside traditional assets such as the U.S. dollar, Euro, and U.S. Treasury bonds within national reserves.

On Tuesday, the 17th of December, during a parliamentary session, Sarah Knafo, an MEP (Member of the European Parliament), made a speech in favor of Bitcoin, proposing the creation of a “strategic Bitcoin reserve” within the EU.

Knafo Calls for Bitcoin Reserve amid Regulatory Advancements

Although the European Union has established a unified regulatory system for cryptocurrencies called MiCA, overseeing their issuance, distribution, and trade in the EU, none of the EU member states have so far declared Bitcoin as a form of official reserve currency.

In her talk, Knafo highlighted three key points about Bitcoin: its decentralized structure, limited supply of only 21 million units, and increasing worldwide acceptance. These features make it an appealing choice for governments seeking to diversify their reserves and protect themselves from economic risks and uncertainties.

🌐 Noteworthy Update: A European Member of Parliament advocates for Bitcoin in the European Parliament, proposing the creation of a “Strategic Bitcoin Reservation”.

❌NO to the digital euro ✅ YES to a strategic reserve of BITCOIN đŸ”„

— Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) December 17, 2024

She also drew attention to the latest comments by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who implied that Bitcoin shares characteristics similar to gold rather than the U.S. dollar.

Individuals often treat bitcoin more like a speculative investment than actual currency or store of value. Similar to gold, it’s digital and virtual, but unlike traditional money, it’s not commonly used for transactions due to its high volatility. Instead, it’s seen as a rival to gold rather than the U.S. dollar.” (This individual made these comments at the recently concluded DealBook Summit.)

Knafo Opposes Digital Euro, Supports Bitcoin Reserve

When questioned regarding the possibility of incorporating Bitcoin into U.S. reserves, Powell restated the Federal Reserve’s main focus on ensuring the security and stability of the financial system.

Although she holds this viewpoint, Knafo continues to believe in Bitcoin’s worth as a strategic reserve for Europe. She also voiced her opposition to the concept of launching a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the form of a digital euro, an idea that is still being deliberated upon within the EU.

Discourse around cryptocurrencies ignited substantial discussion following Knafo’s address. Users on Crypto Twitter largely commended the idea, suggesting that incorporating Bitcoin as a strategic reserve could provide Europe with an advantageous position compared to other international players.

One user stated that they firmly think having Bitcoin as a strategic reserve could significantly boost Europe’s competitive edge compared to other leading nations worldwide during the next ten years.

Bitcoin as National Reserve: Global Momentum Builds

As a crypto investor, I’ve been closely watching the ongoing debates about Bitcoin’s role as a shield against inflation. However, some countries are moving ahead, showing confidence in this digital asset. Notably, El Salvador and the Central African Republic (CAR) have made history by accepting Bitcoin as legal tender, making it an official currency that can be used for everyday transactions within their borders.

21Shares, a prominent international financial firm, forecasted on December 9th that Argentina might become the next nation to incorporate Bitcoin into its national reserves. They believe that Bitcoin possesses substantial promise as a valuable reserve asset for central banks globally.

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2024-12-17 16:21