Cryptoupdated 11m ago2 min read
MapPoland’s Sejm Approves Bill Expanding Sanctions to Freeze Crypto Assets
“Markets may view this legislative move as introducing regulatory uncertainty, which could impact Bitcoin’s price projections negatively.”
“Affected individuals could appeal sanctions decisions, but challenges would not automatically suspend imposed asset freezes.”
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL · Cropped for layout
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Sejm approved bill expanding sanctions to explicitly include freezing crypto assets. Allows administrative freezes of crypto assets without court orders; awaiting Senate review.
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Sejm backs crypto freezes
Poland’s Sejm approved a government-backed bill that would expand the country’s sanctions framework to explicitly include crypto assets among the funds authorities can freeze when imposing sanctions. The Sejm passed the Act on Restrictive Measures on Friday by 240 votes to 202, with one abstention, and forwarded it to the Senate on Monday, according to official parliamentary records. The bill would place crypto assets, as defined under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), under Poland’s national sanctions framework.
The legislation would make sanctions-listing decisions take effect the day after authorities publish a designation, and it would allow affected individuals and companies to challenge inclusion in administrative court while enforcement could proceed before a court ruling. The bill would also broaden the grounds for adding people and companies to Poland’s national sanctions list, including foreign interference and information manipulation that threaten national security.
Appeals without automatic pause
The bill would allow Poland’s interior minister to oversee the national sanctions list and to issue restrictions that take effect the day after authorities publish a designation. The legislation would let affected persons and entities challenge the decision in an administrative court, but it would allow enforcement before a judicial ruling is issued. Coin Edition said the proposed law would bring digital assets under Poland’s national sanctions framework and that individuals and businesses facing sanctions could lose access to their crypto funds.
Crypto News said the bill would allow administrative freezes on crypto holdings, bank accounts and other property through administrative decisions without first obtaining a court order. The legislation would still require Senate consideration and presidential approval before becoming law in Poland, with the Senate having 30 days to approve, amend, or reject the bill.
National security triggers
The bill would target activities connected to sanctions violations and threats to Poland’s national security, including certain forms of foreign interference and information manipulation.
Crypto News said the proposal would allow the government to sanction individuals accused of initiating, financing or supporting coordinated information operations that threaten Poland’s security or public order.
Ordo Iuris argued that the national sanctions list goes beyond what EU law requires and could threaten constitutional protections for property and freedom of expression, according to a report cited in the source.
Poland’s National Broadcasting Council warned that unclear definitions could affect media organizations and public expression in relation to provisions involving information manipulation.
Opposition MP Roman Fritz condemned the legislation after the parliamentary vote, saying, “SHAME IN THE SEJM! THEY PASSED THE TOTALITARIAN LAW! COMMUNISM IS BACK IN FULL!”