Poland Revives Crypto Bill, Sends Disputed MiCA Law to Senate
Poland just fired a shot across the bow of Brussels.
The nation's lower house has revived a domestic crypto bill and kicked the European Union's landmark Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation straight to the Senate for review. It's a move that signals Warsaw isn't ready to cede all control to EU-wide frameworks.
Why This Matters
This isn't just bureaucratic shuffling. By pushing forward with its own legislation alongside MiCA, Poland is carving out space for national nuance. The local bill could address specific market conditions or create more favorable rules for homegrown crypto businesses—something a one-size-fits-all EU regulation might miss.
The Regulatory Tug-of-War
MiCA aims to be the continent's crypto rulebook, promising clarity but also centralizing power. Poland's parallel track suggests some member states want a say in how that rulebook gets applied on their turf. It's a classic clash between harmonization and sovereignty.
What Happens Next
All eyes are on the Polish Senate. Its decision will reveal whether the country seeks minor tweaks or major deviations from the EU's vision. The outcome could encourage other nations to draft their own supplementary rules, potentially creating a patchwork of regulations—the very thing MiCA was designed to prevent.
For the crypto industry, it's another layer of complexity to navigate. Just ask any compliance officer trying to keep up—it's enough to make you miss the simple days of wild west speculation and praying your exchange doesn't vanish overnight.
From veto to Senate review
President Karol Nawrocki vetoed an earlier version of the bill in December, arguing it could threaten civil freedoms, property rights, and state stability. Despite those objections, lawmakers chose to resend the same text, a MOVE some described as a direct challenge to the president’s stance.
If the Senate approves the bill, it will return to Nawrocki’s desk. He could veto it again, leaving the legislation in limbo. Government officials suggest the chances of approval are higher this time, but the outcome remains uncertain.
What the bill is meant to do
The legislation is designed to align Poland with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which applies across the bloc from December 30, 2024. MiCA sets common standards, but member states must still create national licensing and supervision systems.
The bill designates the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) as the main regulator for crypto asset service providers. It introduces licensing, tight reporting, and bank-style supervision on crypto firms.
Industry backlash intensifies
Poland’s crypto sector has pushed back. Industry groups argue the bill goes beyond MiCA’s minimum requirements, adding higher compliance costs and tighter timelines. Smaller firms warn they may not survive the licensing burden.
One major point of contention is the shortened transition period. EU guidance gives existing providers breathing room, allowing them to operate under national rules until mid-2026. Poland’s draft cuts that timeline short, a move that critics warn could trigger legal fights and disrupt businesses still trying to adapt.
A market squeezed from both sides
Crypto adoption in Poland ROSE about 51% in 2025, but critics say the bill could stall growth and push firms toward other EU markets like Germany or the Netherlands.
Backers of the bill, including allies of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, frame it as a security measure. They point to money-laundering threats and the risk of hostile foreign actors abusing crypto rails to argue that tighter controls are necessary.
The fight in Warsaw also exposes a bigger EU fault line. MiCA was supposed to level the playing field, yet member states are already drifting apart, some easing into the rules, others, like Poland, pressing down harder.
For now, the bill’s advance signals determination from lawmakers, not consensus. With industry resistance and presidential skepticism still in play, Poland’s path to full MiCA implementation remains politically charged and far from settled.
Also read: Poland Fails to Override Veto on MiCA-Aligned Crypto Bill
