Crypto in Europe: TON Defends Durov, IOTA Leads EU Blockchain
Europe's crypto scene heats up as TON defends Durov's rights, IOTA advances EU blockchain, and Zondacrypto targets myths in new campaign.
TON Society's Open Letter to French Authorities
The TON Society has made headlines by addressing an open letter to the French government, demanding the release of Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov. Durov was detained at Le Bourget Airport on August 24. The letter strongly criticizes this detention, describing it as an attack on basic human rights and a violation of freedom of speech. The TON Society also called for intervention from international bodies, including the Council of Europe and the European Union. The letter emphasized that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has previously recognized the importance of encryption in protecting fundamental rights such as freedom of expression.
Despite French President Emmanuel Macron's statement that Durov’s arrest was not politically motivated, the detention has sparked significant criticism from the crypto community and free speech advocates. The TON Society is urging social media and tech companies to resist government censorship and to ensure compliance with EU regulations, including the Digital Services Act.
IOTA’s Milestone in EU Blockchain Project
IOTA has successfully concluded the final phase of the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) project, marking a significant milestone in the EU's digital transformation efforts. This initiative, launched in 2020, aims to enhance the EU’s digital infrastructure using blockchain technology. IOTA’s role in the project included developing digital product passports and intellectual property management systems, which are essential for modernizing EU digital services.
In 2021, the European Commission selected IOTA as one of seven successful projects out of over 30 applicants to develop new blockchain solutions for the EU. Collaborating with Chromaway and Billon, IOTA advanced to the third phase of the project. They created a core solution that integrates Tangle Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) with open APIs and third-party platforms. IOTA also developed satellite systems to improve interoperability across different platforms using IOTA-EBSI connectors. With this phase completed, IOTA’s system is now entering a pilot stage within the EBSI, where its functionality will be tested in a sandbox environment to refine the technology further.
Zondacrypto's “Tales from Crypto” Campaign and Gate.io’s Partnership with Inter Milan
Zondacrypto, a leading cryptocurrency exchange in Central and Eastern Europe, has launched an innovative advertising campaign titled “Tales from Crypto”. The campaign features well-known Polish celebrities, such as Wojciech Szczęsny, Borys Szyc, and Janusz Chabior, to challenge misconceptions about cryptocurrencies. The campaign, which airs on television, digital platforms, and in urban spaces, aims to educate the public on the benefits of digital currencies and attract new users from across Europe. Zondacrypto, with over 1.3 million users, primarily in Poland, seeks to break down barriers to crypto adoption through educational initiatives like the Zondacrypto Academy.
Meanwhile, Gate.io, a global cryptocurrency exchange, has announced a partnership with FC Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan), the 2024/25 Serie A champions. As part of this partnership, Gate.io will become the Official Sleeve Partner for Inter’s Men’s, Women’s, and U20 teams. The exchange’s logo will appear on the sleeves of the teams’ jerseys, starting with the Inter-Lecce match. This collaboration aims to enhance the fan experience by offering innovative services, exclusive content, co-branded merchandise, and unique opportunities for Inter’s global fanbase of over 500 million followers.
Gate.io’s CEO Han Lin expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the alignment of the exchange’s commitment to innovation and community engagement with Inter Milan’s rich history and passionate fanbase.
Conclusion
These developments underline the dynamic nature of the crypto landscape in Europe. The TON Society's defense of fundamental rights, IOTA's advancements in blockchain infrastructure, Zondacrypto's efforts to educate the public, and Gate.io's strategic partnership with Inter Milan all showcase the continent's growing influence in the global cryptocurrency scene. As the crypto market evolves, Europe continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital assets and blockchain technology.