According to a report by German crypto media outlet BTC-ECHO, the European Parliament, one of the European Union’s legislative bodies, has moved to ban Bitcoin and other proof-of-work (PoW) cryptocurrencies.

The final draft of the Crypto Asset Markets (MiCA) framework, the much-anticipated crypto regulatory package, includes a provision prohibiting the consensus mechanism from being “environmentally unsustainable.”

This means that starting January 1st, 2025, Bitcoin could become illegal in the European Union.

Businesses will be banned from offering services related to PoW cryptocurrency.

Stefan Berger, the framework’s rapporteur, told the paper the proposal was “most likely” the green light. The proposal was pushed by the centre-left SPD, the Greens and the Left Party.

Some Christian Democrats and right-wing conservatives oppose the introduction of a Bitcoin ban, but it’s a deal-breaker for PoW-blocking parties.

The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, will hold a dialogue with member states and Parliament before making a final decision later this year.

Patrick Hansen, Head of Growth and Strategy at startup Defi Unstoppable Finance, described the proposal as an “act of suicide” and predicted it would kill the entire crypto industry in the EU.

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