EU to discuss concerns over criminal activity associated with cryptocurrency

Finance ministers from the European Union have scheduled a meeting on 7th September in Vienna, Austria to discuss concerns over cryptocurrency being used to evade taxes, finance terrorism and launder money.

The 28 ministers of are concerned over the growing popularity of digital currencies and the challenges this poses.

Stricter crypto regulations?

The group will also discuss whether regulations around crypto should be stricter as they currently believe there’s a lack of transparency in the digital assets sector, according to a note prepared for the meeting in the Austria capital that was seen by Bloomberg News.

READ MORE: EU must do more to encourage blockchain innovation, says lobbyist

Authorities within the European Union have pointed out that the current laws within the region do not offer investors any protection from the extremely high volatility of crypto prices. Bloomberg adds that the executive arm of the EU – the European Commission – has committed to supervise developments and decide whether there’s a need for further action in coordination with other financial and enforcement agencies.

EU and news crypto technologies

The document obtained by Bloomberg also notes that EU regulators are keen on embracing new technologies brought on by cryptocurrencies.

“Initial coin offerings (ICOs) have established an effective and efficient way to raise capital,” the note says, according to Bloomberg. It adds that this development could also help integrate capital markets in the EU bloc.

READ MORE: Are cryptocurrencies legal?

Current EU law does not protect investors’ losses in the case of events such as cyber attacks.