The European Blockchain Convention (EBC) celebrated its 10th edition in the dynamic city of Barcelona. Over two days, industry leaders and experts came together to discuss the latest trends and future directions in the world of blockchain, crypto, and digital assets.
Day 1: “Crypto Adoption Can’t Be Forced”
On September 25, the tenth edition of EBC kicked off with founders Daniel Salmeron and Victoria Gago exploring the necessity of cryptocurrencies in today’s world. A key highlight was a debate featuring Alireza Siadat (Annerton), Yael Ossowski (Consumer Choice Center), and Vugar Adigozalov (Bidget), focusing on the slow adoption of crypto and the critical role of user experience (UX) and self-custody.
Ossowski emphasized the need for everyday usable products, countered by Adigozalov, who pointed out the privacy challenges in a transparent ecosystem. The panel also discussed how people in developing nations are more willing to tolerate less-than-ideal UX to leverage the benefits of Decentralized Finance (DeFi), underscoring the transformative power of stablecoins in regions where traditional financial systems are unreliable.
Zoltan Vardai (Cointelegraph EU) and Eric Demuth (Bitpanda) took the stage to highlight the necessity of regulatory clarity for the industry’s sustainable growth. Demuth argued that while adoption cannot be forced, efficiency and cost-effectiveness in crypto will naturally drive user migration.
Day 2: Blockchain, A “Game-Changer” For Sustainability
The second day of EBC was filled with engaging discussions. Laurent Marochini (Société Générale Securities Services) led a pivotal conversation with Martijn Siebrand (ABN AMRO BANK N.V.) and Emilie Allaert (Luxembourg Blockchain Lab) on blockchain’s role in combating greenwashing. Allaert emphasized the “game-changing benefits” of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in verifying companies’ sustainability claims.
During this session, Allaert also addressed misconceptions about blockchain’s energy consumption, noting that newer technologies are significantly more energy-efficient. She also highlighted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) consumes more energy, yet often goes unchallenged.
Web 3 Gaming: A Gateway to Blockchain Adoption
An exciting panel on Web 3 gaming featured insights from Nirav Bakshi (Blockchain Founders Fund), Sebastian Borget (The Sandbox), Bay Backner (Decentraland), and Pablo Monti (BingX). Borget discussed how blockchain games are becoming entry points into Web3, allowing players to earn their first NFTs and experiment with blockchain technology.
The panelists also explored how the gaming sector is shifting towards empowering the creator economy, offering new opportunities beyond traditional Web2 gaming challenges. Monti noted the sector’s evolution from the “play-to-earn fever” to offering services that support the broader gaming industry, surpassing DeFi in daily wallet usage.
Global Regulatory Collaboration: A Necessity for Web 3
Another significant discussion centered on digital asset regulation across the UK, Europe, and the US. Lisa Cameron (House of Commons) called passionately for global regulatory collaboration in Web3, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions across jurisdictions. She stressed the importance of engaging younger generations to shape a beneficial future for them.
Infrastructure and collaboration challenges were also discussed, with Yves-Michel Leporcher (Renault) highlighting the longstanding issues of blockchains operating independently. The consensus was clear: collaboration and interoperability are crucial for the future of blockchain technology.
Exclusive Interview: Gemini’s Vision for the Future
During EBC10, our team had the opportunity to speak with Gillian Lynch, CEO of Gemini for Ireland and Europe. Lynch discussed the upcoming MiCA regulation and its potential impact on the crypto industry and retail consumers. She highlighted the significant growth in crypto adoption, noting an increase from 1 in 10 to 1 in every 5 individuals over the last decade.
Lynch believes that MiCA, set to be implemented by 2025, will provide much-needed regulatory clarity, potentially making Europe a new hub for digital assets. However, she emphasized the importance of educating users about the new regulatory regime, using tools like Gemini’s CryptoPedia and social media to ensure that customers understand the difference between regulated and non-regulated exchanges.
The next year will be crucial for the European crypto industry as MiCA comes into effect. The progress and implications of these regulations, along with the future developments in Web3, blockchain, and crypto, will be key topics at the European Blockchain Convention’s eleventh edition.
Conclusion
As EBC10 wrapped up, attendees left with a wealth of knowledge and insights into the future of blockchain and crypto. The event highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity, the potential of blockchain for sustainability, and the evolving landscape of Web3 and digital assets. Stay tuned for the next edition of the European Blockchain Convention, as the industry continues to innovate and grow.
