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EU Parliament Backs Digital Euro, Signaling a New Era for Money

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The European Parliament backed the European Central Bank’s (ECB) digital euro initiative, casting it as a strategic tool in an era of rising geopolitical and financial tensions. In a plenary vote, MEPs approved the annual ECB report by 443 votes in favor, 71 against and 117 abstentions, endorsing amendments that frame the digital euro as essential to strengthening EU monetary sovereignty, reducing fragmentation in retail payments, and bolstering the integrity of the single market. The resolution underscores a policy stance that public money in digital form can curb Europe’s reliance on non-EU payment providers and private instruments, a concern voiced by policymakers amid broader global pressures.

Lawmakers also pressed for central bank autonomy, arguing that ECB independence must be safeguarded from political interference to preserve price stability and market confidence. In the debate, Johan Van Overtveldt, a former Belgian finance minister and MEP, warned that independence is not merely a technical characteristic; history shows that political meddling with central banks can trigger inflation, financial instability, and domestic strain. The emphasis on autonomy reflects a long-standing belief among European lawmakers that monetary policy should be shielded from short-term political cycles, a sentiment echoed as Europe maps out a retail payments framework that could influence the region’s financial architecture for years to come.

The discussion also touched on the broader narrative of digital finance as a public good and a geopolitical hedge. The European Parliament’s stance aligns with a growing consensus among central bankers and economists that a digitally native euro could serve as a sovereign tool—built on European infrastructure and standards—that reduces exposure to external payment rails and foreign governance. In remarks that circulated last month, ECB executive board member Piero Cipollone described the digital euro as “public money in digital form” and tied it to concerns about the “weaponisation of every conceivable tool,” a reflection of the risk environment surrounding global finance. Cipollone argued for a payments system that Europeans fully control, emphasizing resilience and strategic autonomy as key design principles.

The resolution also reiterates that cash remains a cornerstone of the euro area’s monetary system. Even as the ECB advances a digital complement, both physical and digital euros are designated as legal tender, ensuring that the public retains access to a universally accepted form of money. This stance is consistent with a broader push to position the digital euro not as a replacement for cash but as a parallel instrument designed to streamline cross-border transactions, improve settlement efficiency, and reduce reliance on external providers in times of stress. The emphasis on maintaining cash aligns with concerns about inclusivity and financial access, particularly for segments of the population that rely on traditional cash channels or may be unevenly served by new digital rails.

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Digital euro as public good and geopolitical hedge

Beyond its domestic implications, the vote signals how Europe contends with a shifting global payments landscape. The digital euro is framed as a public good meant to strengthen policy sovereignty, reassuring citizens that EU institutions will steward a secure, interoperable, and accessible payments infrastructure. The debate also reflects unease about the potential dominance of non-EU payment schemes and the geopolitical leverage that private digital-payment networks could wield in a crisis. By advancing a centralized, EU-controlled alternative, policymakers aim to preserve policy levers and maintain financial stability even when external networks face disruptions or strategic realignments.

The debate has continued to unfold in parallel with calls from economists and policy experts who argue for a robust public option. In January, a coalition of economists urged MEPs to prioritize the public interest in the digital euro project, warning that neglecting a strong EU option could leave the bloc more exposed to the influence of private and foreign players in its financial system. The push reflects a nuanced balance: leveraging digital innovation to improve efficiency and security while safeguarding public accountability and democratic oversight. The outcome of these discussions will shape not only how the euro area processes payments but also how Europe positions itself in global debates over digital sovereignty and financial regulation.

The broader policy environment around the digital euro is evolving as institutions contemplate both technical and governance dimensions. While the central bank’s autonomy remains a central pillar, the political process will continue to shape the instrument’s scope, privacy protections, and interoperability with existing payment rails. As Europe progresses, observers will watch for concrete milestones such as governance models, technical standards, and timelines for testing and deployment. The interplay between public and private sector interests, along with the union’s approach to data privacy and consumer protection, will be critical in determining the digital euro’s adoption trajectory and its reception among citizens and businesses alike.

Why it matters

The European Parliament’s endorsement of the digital euro underscores a shift in how Europe conceptualizes money in a digital era. For consumers, the availability of a euro-denominated digital instrument promises faster and cheaper retail payments across member states, with the added security of a centralized, Europe-wide framework. For businesses, a unified, EU-controlled platform could simplify cross-border settlements and reduce exposure to the fragility of foreign payment rails, particularly in times of geopolitical stress. For policymakers, the project represents an opportunity to align monetary policy with digital infrastructure, ensuring that policy tools remain effective in a rapidly evolving payments landscape.

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For fintechs and developers, the digital euro offers a defined public utility that could serve as a foundation for innovative payment experiences while adhering to European standards for privacy, security, and market integrity. The emphasis on independence and robust governance signals a carefully calibrated path to deployment—one that seeks to incentivize responsible innovation while maintaining a strict line against political meddling that could destabilize markets. In this sense, the digital euro is less about a single currency-proof-of-concept and more about how a highly developed regional economy can harmonize monetary integrity with digital modernization in a way that strengthens resilience and confidence across the bloc.

For the broader crypto and digital assets discourse, the EP’s position reinforces a divide between public, centrally issued digital money and the private, often cross-border nature of crypto and stablecoins. While not a cryptocurrency itself, the digital euro’s design and governance could influence how lawmakers approach non-sovereign digital assets, including questions about payments settlement, privacy standards, and cross-border interoperability. The outcome will likely feed into ongoing debates about regulatory clarity, consumer protection, and the degree to which public and private digital money can coexist without compromising financial stability.

What to watch next

  • Progress updates from the ECB on digital euro development, including governance and technical architecture.
  • Further parliamentary discussions and amendments clarifying the balance between independence, oversight, and integration with existing payment systems.
  • Policy guidance on the role of cash in a digital euro era and how legal tender considerations will be maintained.
  • Potential pilots or phased rollouts that test interoperability with national infrastructures and private payment providers.

Sources & verification

  • European Parliament press release: MEPs stress the importance of independent central banks in times of tension (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/da/press-room/20260205IPR33621/meps-stress-importance-of-independent-central-banks-in-times-of-tension)
  • Transcript and remarks from Johan Van Overtveldt on ECB independence (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/vod.html?mode=chapter&vodLanguage=EN&internalEPId=2017060832131&providerMeetingId=20260209-0900-PLENARY#)
  • ECB executive board member Piero Cipollone’s comments on digital euro as public money (https://cointelegraph.com/news/ecb-s-cipollone-says-digital-euro-key-to-payments-sovereignty-in-weaponised-world)
  • Analysis and commentary from economists urging a strong public option for the digital euro (https://cointelegraph.com/news/70-economists-eu-lawmakers-digital-euro)

Monetary sovereignty in the digital age: Europe’s digital euro push

In summary, the European Parliament’s latest vote signals a consensus that the digital euro should be developed with an eye toward sovereignty, resilience, and public value. It recognizes the need to preserve monetary policy autonomy in the face of evolving digital finance dynamics while acknowledging the practical benefits of faster, more inclusive payments across the union. By insisting that cash remains legal tender and by prioritizing independence, lawmakers aim to construct a framework that can withstand geopolitical disruptions and shifting power dynamics in the payments landscape. The path forward will require careful calibration of governance, technology, and regulatory oversight—an undertaking that will shape Europe’s financial infrastructure for the foreseeable future.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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Bitcoin Reclaims $68,000 as Iran Ceasefire Hopes Fuel Risk-On Rally

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Bitcoin Reclaims $68,000 as Iran Ceasefire Hopes Fuel Risk-On Rally


Crypto markets rose as oil prices retreated under $100 a barrel on growing expectations that the conflict could wind down within weeks.

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Afroman to Headline Bitcoin 2026 After Landmark Free Speech Victory

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Crypto Breaking News

Bitcoin 2026 Overview

Bitcoin traded near $68,000 as organizers confirmed a major addition to Bitcoin 2026. The event will host Afroman as a headline speaker and performer. The conference will take place April 27–29 in Las Vegas.

The announcement signals a growing overlap between culture and decentralized technology narratives. It also reflects Bitcoin’s expanding role beyond finance into expression and ownership debates. Organizers expect strong engagement from global attendees and industry participants.

The event will occur at The Venetian Resort and feature hundreds of speakers. More than 30,000 attendees are expected to participate across multiple stages. The program will combine education, entertainment, and industry networking.

Legal Victory Shapes Afroman’s Bitcoin 2026 Appearance

Afroman gained renewed attention after a legal battle tied to a police raid in 2022. Authorities searched his home but reportedly found no evidence of wrongdoing. He later used personal footage to create music and commentary about the incident.

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The conflict grew when some of the officers took a defamation case against him asking for monetary damages. They asked, as well, to get rid of the artist’s content on public platforms. Despite that, the jury acquitted Afroman and put an end to the case. The result opened up more talk about the rights of creators and the need for public accountability. Afroman saw the verdict as a larger victory for freedom of speech. This viewpoint is in fact very similar to the core philosophy of Bitcoin. More and more, the culture around Bitcoin is making its way into art and expression. The supporters of Bitcoin, as a rule, underline the freedom, openness, and getting the full control over the personal content. Such principles have left their mark not only on the culture but also on the domain of arts. Consequently, in a bold step, the current events deliberately feature creators boldly confronting the authorities and institutions.

Afroman’s involvement reflects the shift in the ecosystem’s trajectory. His unique style is a fusion of music, humor, and insightful commentary on society. Such a message deeply resonates with an audience that supports decentralization of systems. Bitcoin event organizers keep identifying the events as technical gatherings only. They want to put the spotlight on real-life applications and cultural relevance. In this way, the appeal will be extended not only to the developers and financial players.

Exhibition and Global Conference Growth

The conference will feature Afroman’s American flag suit as part of a specially curated art exhibition. It is a protest and resistance symbol from his legal fight. It is also going to be auctioned on a special platform. The exhibition will present topics such as power, reaction, and artistic rebellion. It will feature works tied to Bitcoin’s short but impactful history. These elements aim to connect technology with human stories.

Bitcoin Conference continues to expand its global footprint. Earlier editions managed to draw tens of thousands of people from various regions. The next events are scheduled to cover Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The Las Vegas meeting will act as a main center for the 2026 programs. It will unite developers, entrepreneurs, and artists. Such a blend further helps positioning Bitcoin as a financial and social movement.

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Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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BitMine Stock Gets a Bullish Upgrade, but a 4-Month Trap Still Holds

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BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) stock jumped 12% on March 31 to close at $19.78, its strongest single-session gain in a while, as a sharp shift in options positioning coincided with B. Riley raising its price target to $33 from $30.

The move pushed BitMine stock close to the upper trendline of a descending channel that has contained the price since early December. However, the nature of the rally and the absence of institutional buying pressure raise the question of whether this attempt will succeed where prior ones failed.

A Short Squeeze Drove the 12% Move, Not Fresh Buying

The put-call ratio, which compares bearish put option volume to bullish call option volume, tells the story of what happened between Friday and Monday.

On March 27, the volume ratio spiked to 1.04, meaning put trading exceeded call trading for the first time in weeks. The open interest ratio sat at 0.47. That is aggressive bearish positioning heading into the weekend. By March 31, the volume ratio had collapsed to 0.52 while the open interest ratio remained flat at 0.47.

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BMNR Put-Call Ratio March 27
BMNR Put-Call Ratio March 27: Barchart

The unchanged open interest means no significant new positions were opened. The volume ratio collapse means existing bearish bets were being closed. That combination points to a classic short squeeze where traders covering put positions drove the BMNR stock price higher rather than new buyers entering with fresh conviction.

BMNR Put-Call Ratio March 31
BMNR Put-Call Ratio March 31: Barchart

If the put-call ratio now rises again alongside rising open interest, it would signal new bearish positions being opened against the rally, which could stall the move on sentiment. However, the squeeze coincided with a fundamental catalyst that could extend the bounce.

ETH Treasury Growth and B. Riley’s $33 Target Support the Bull Case

BitMine added 71,179 ETH last week, its largest weekly purchase of 2026. That five-week buying streak pushed total holdings to 4.73 million ETH, representing 3.92% of Ethereum’s circulating supply. The company’s total crypto and cash treasury now stands at $10.7 billion, with approximately $177 million in annualized staking revenue.

B. Riley raised its BitMine stock price target to $33 from $30 on March 26, maintaining a Buy rating. The firm cited the launch of MAVAN, BitMine’s institutional-grade Ethereum staking platform, and noted that approximately 67% of holdings are already staked with potential annualized rewards of roughly $285 million at full deployment.

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With Ethereum up 3.6% over the past 24 hours, the BitMine stock price has an external tailwind. ETH strength directly benefits BitMine’s treasury valuation and staking revenue outlook.

Yet the Chaikin Money Flow (CMF), a volume-weighted indicator that tracks institutional buying and selling pressure, remains below the zero line on the daily chart. Between February 23 and March 30, CMF trended lower alongside price.

BMNR CMF Analysis
BMNR CMF Analysis: TradingView

That pattern shows large money has not backed this rally with sustained buying. The bounce is running on short covering and Ethereum momentum rather than direct institutional accumulation into BMNR shares.

BitMine Stock Still Needs $21 to Confirm a Channel Breakout

Despite the short squeeze and fundamental tailwinds, the daily chart shows BitMine stock pressing against the same upper trendline of a descending channel that has rejected every breakout attempt since December. Early January and mid-March also saw a failed attempt out of this 4-month trap.

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A bullish divergence on the Relative Strength Index (RSI), a momentum indicator, does support the case for a broader reversal now. Between November 21 and March 30, price trended lower while RSI printed a higher low. That divergence suggests selling momentum is weakening even as price continued to fall. Combined with the Ethereum tailwind and MAVAN catalyst, it gives bulls a technical reason to stay engaged.

RSI Structure
RSI Structure: TradingView

However, a daily close above $21.22 (the $21 zone) is needed to confirm that the upper trendline has broken. That level aligns with the 0.5 Fibonacci level and would represent a 7% move from the current close. A push above $22.01 would strengthen the breakout case and open a path toward $24.56 and potentially $28.69. Beyond that sits B. Riley’s upgraded target.

BMNR Price Analysis
BMNR Price Analysis: TradingView

On the downside, failure to hold $19.46 would signal that the squeeze has exhausted itself. A close below $17.88 reopens the lower channel for BMNR stock and puts the $17.12 support at risk.

The $21 zone now separates a confirmed channel breakout fueled by ETH momentum and MAVAN staking revenue from another failed trendline rejection that sends BitMine stock price back toward $17.88.

The post BitMine Stock Gets a Bullish Upgrade, but a 4-Month Trap Still Holds appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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Bitcoin Must Clear $69K For Altcoins and BTC To Resume Bull Market

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Bitcoin Must Clear $69K For Altcoins and BTC To Resume Bull Market

Key points:

  • Buyers will have to sustain Bitcoin above $69,000 to gain the upper hand in the short term.

  • Select major altcoins may break above their near-term resistance, signaling buying at lower levels.

Bitcoin (BTC) is facing resistance at $69,000, but the bulls continue to exert pressure. A minor positive in favor of the bulls is that the US spot BTC exchange-traded funds have recorded $186.9 million in inflows this week, according to Farside Investors data.

Is this a good level to buy BTC, or could it fall further? That’s a question troubling investors. Alphractal founder Joao Wedson said in a post on X that BTC’s previous market cycles suggest a historical bottom may form “in late September or early October 2026.”

Crypto market data daily view. Source: TradingView

Veteran trader Peter Brandt also believes that BTC could bottom in September or October. Brandt told Cointelegraph that a complete recovery to a new all-time high may happen only by the second quarter of 2027 but he added that it “is all guesswork.” 

Could BTC and select major altcoins rise above their overhead resistance levels? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.

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Bitcoin price prediction

Buyers are attempting to sustain BTC above the moving averages, indicating solid buying at lower levels.

BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

If they succeed, the BTC/USDT pair may remain inside the bullish ascending triangle pattern. Buyers will have to thrust the BTC price above the $76,000 level to seize control. The pair may then surge to the $84,000 level.

This positive view will be negated in the near term if the BTC price turns down and breaks below the $65,000 level. That will invalidate the positive setup, resulting in long liquidation. The pair may then tumble to the $62,500 to $60,000 support zone.

Ether price prediction

Ether (ETH) closed above the 20-day exponential moving average ($2,085) on Tuesday, and the bulls are attempting to push the price to the $2,200 overhead resistance.

ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

If buyers overcome the barrier at $2,200, the ETH/USDT pair is expected to pick up momentum and rise to $2,400. Sellers will attempt to vigorously defend the $2,400 level, as a close above it opens the gates for a rally to the $3,050 level.

Time is running out for the bears. They will have to quickly pull the price below the $1,916 level to stay in the game. If they do that, the ETH price may plummet to the critical $1,750 support.

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BNB price prediction

Buyers are attempting to push BNB (BNB) above the moving averages, but the bears have held their ground.

BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

Sellers will strive to pull the BNB price below the immediate support at $596. If they manage to do that, the BNB/USDT pair may slip to the vital support at $570. Buyers are expected to defend the $570 level with all their might, as a close below it signals the resumption of the downtrend. The next stop on the downside may be $500.

Alternatively, a close above the moving averages may push the price to the stiff overhead resistance of $687. A close above the $687 level will be the first sign of strength. The pair may then march to $730 and thereafter to $790.

XRP price prediction

XRP (XRP) is trying to form a base near the $1.29 level, but the bulls are struggling to push and maintain the price above the moving averages.

XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

That suggests the bears have kept up the pressure. If the XRP price turns down and breaks below the $1.27 level, it signals that bears have overpowered the bulls. The XRP/USDT pair may then decline to the $1.11 level.

On the contrary, a break above the moving averages indicates that the bulls are back in the game. The pair may rise to the breakdown level of $1.61 and then to the downtrend line. A close above the downtrend line signals a potential trend change.

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Solana price prediction

Solana (SOL) is attempting to form a floor at the $76 level, but the relief rally is facing stiff resistance at the moving averages.

SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The flattish moving averages and the relative strength index just below the midpoint do not give a clear advantage either to the bulls or the bears. If the price breaks above the moving averages, the bulls will endeavor to push the SOL/USDT pair above the $95 resistance. If they succeed, the rally may extend to the $117 level.

Contrarily, if the SOL price turns down sharply from the $95 level, it suggests that the range-bound action may continue for a while. Sellers will be back in command on a close below the $76 level.

Dogecoin price prediction

Dogecoin (DOGE) remains stuck between the moving averages and the critical $0.09 support, but the tight range trading is unlikely to continue for long.

DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

If buyers thrust the DOGE price above the moving averages, the relief rally may reach $0.10 and then the $0.12 resistance. Sellers are expected to fiercely defend the $0.12 level. If the price turns down from the overhead resistance, the DOGE/USDT pair may consolidate between $0.09 and $0.12 for a few more days.

Sellers will seize control on a close below the $0.09 level. The pair may then sink to the Feb. 6 low of $0.08 and eventually to the $0.06 level.

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Hyperliquid price prediction

Hyperliquid (HYPE) fell below the breakout level of $36.77 on Tuesday, but the bears are struggling to sustain the lower levels.

HYPE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The bulls are attempting to make a comeback by swiftly pushing the HYPE price back above the 20-day EMA ($37.57). If they can pull it off, the HYPE/USDT pair may rise to $41.59 and subsequently to the $43.76 level. Sellers will attempt to halt the up move at $43.76, but if the bulls prevail, the pair may climb to $50.

This positive view will be invalidated in the near term if the price turns down and breaks below the 50-day simple moving average ($33.97). That suggests the market has rejected the break above the $36.77 level.

Related: Strategy set to resume buying Bitcoin via STRC: Will BTC price hit $80K?

Cardano price prediction

Cardano (ADA) is facing resistance at the $0.25 level, but a positive sign is that the bulls have not ceded ground to the bears.

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ADA/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

Buyers will attempt to overcome the barrier at the moving averages. If they do that, the ADA/USDT pair may reach the downtrend line, which is a crucial resistance to watch out for. A close above the downtrend line signals a potential short-term trend change.

Sellers are likely to have other plans. They will attempt to defend the moving averages and pull the ADA price below the $0.23 level. If that happens, the pair may slide to the Feb. 6 low of $0.22.

Bitcoin Cash price prediction

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) has been trading between the 50-day SMA ($485) and the $443 support for the past few days.

BCH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The failure of the bulls to clear the 50-day SMA suggests that the bears are active at higher levels. Sellers will attempt to strengthen their position by pulling the BCH price below the $443 level. If they manage to do that, the BCH/USDT pair will complete a bearish head-and-shoulders pattern. That opens the doors for a drop to the $375 level.

Instead, if buyers drive the price above the 50-day SMA, it signals demand at lower levels. The pair may then ascend to the $520 to $540 zone.

Chainlink price prediction

Chainlink (LINK) is facing resistance at the moving averages, but a positive sign is that the bulls have kept up the pressure.

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LINK/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

That improves the prospects of a close above the moving averages. If that happens, the LINK price may rally toward the $10 level. Sellers will attempt to defend the $10 level and keep the LINK/USDT pair range-bound for some more time.

The next trending move is expected to begin on a close above $10 or below $8. If buyers pierce the $10 level, the pair may rise to $10.94 and later to the $11.61 level. Alternatively, a drop below the $8 support may sink the price to $7.15 and then to $6.