Poland Passes Crypto Bill to Align with MiCA Framework
Poland’s lower house of parliament has approved a government-backed bill designed to align the country’s crypto regulations with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The legislation passed with a 241–200 vote on May 15, 2026, during the Sejm's 57th sitting in Warsaw. However, lingering disputes over enforcement powers and previous presidential vetoes signal that the road to implementation is far from clear.
The new bill, labeled No. 2529, grants oversight authority to the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), including powers to impose administrative sanctions and block accounts and transactions temporarily. Backed by the Ministry of Finance, the proposal consolidates earlier drafts, including competing bills from the president and opposition parties, as well as a parliamentary draft. Notably, the opposition Law and Justice party had pitched a separate, more extreme proposal to ban all crypto activity in Poland, which failed to gain traction.
This marks the third attempt to pass a crypto regulatory framework following two earlier vetoes by President Karol Nawrocki. Critics of the bill have pointed out that it fails to address key concerns raised by the president, including judicial oversight for KNF's blocking powers. Market participants now question whether Nawrocki will veto the legislation again, leaving Poland's MiCA compliance in limbo just months before the EU’s July 2026 implementation deadlines.
MiCA Alignment Amid Tensions
MiCA, the EU’s overarching crypto regulation, has been in force since June 2023 but includes phased application dates. Full compliance for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) and broader crypto-asset rules took effect on December 30, 2024. Stablecoin-specific provisions have been active since June 2024, and a key transition period for payment services ends on March 2, 2026.
Poland’s delay in aligning with MiCA has drawn criticism, especially as neighboring EU states have already integrated its requirements. The regulation aims to create a harmonized framework across the EU, enhancing investor protection and market stability while eliminating fragmented national rules. For Poland, failure to finalize the legislation could leave its crypto industry at a competitive disadvantage and expose market participants to legal uncertainty.
Scandal Clouds Regulatory Debate
The Zondacrypto controversy has further complicated Poland’s regulatory landscape. The exchange is under investigation for fraud, with thousands of users reportedly unable to withdraw funds, fueling calls for stronger consumer protections. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has alleged links between Zondacrypto and Russian capital, accusing the platform of exploiting Poland’s regulatory gaps.
Market participants argue that the delayed implementation of MiCA in Poland has left investors vulnerable to such scandals. Critics have pointed out that the KNF’s new powers under the approved bill may not be sufficient to rebuild confidence without additional safeguards such as enhanced judicial review.
What’s Next?
Poland’s crypto community is bracing for another potential veto from President Nawrocki, which could prolong regulatory uncertainty. If the bill is vetoed again, lawmakers would need a three-fifths majority to override it—a challenging prospect given the contentious political climate.
With the EU’s July 2026 compliance deadline fast approaching, Poland faces mounting pressure to finalize its MiCA alignment. Failure to do so could isolate its crypto market and hinder the country’s ability to leverage the EU’s passporting regime for crypto-asset service providers. For now, all eyes are on the president’s next move and the broader implications for Poland’s role in the European crypto market.