European Commission Advisor Anticipates MiCA Evolution as Digital Asset Industry Grows: Paris Blockchain Week 2026
European Union authorities are preparing to review MiCA based on industry experience, with stakeholder input expected to influence future modifications to the region's cryptocurrency regulatory structure.
An adviser to the European Commission has indicated that the European Union's groundbreaking MiCA cryptocurrency regulatory framework will likely undergo evolution as the digital asset marketplace expands beyond the circumstances that the legislation was initially created to handle.
During his appearance at the Paris Blockchain Week (PBW) 2026, Peter Kerstens, who serves as an adviser on technological innovation, digital transformation and cybersecurity within the European Commission's financial services department, indicated that the Commission intends to conduct a review of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and initiate a public consultation process to evaluate whether the current rules are functioning effectively for market participants while also promoting business growth and development.
These comments indicate that policymakers within the EU are already contemplating how MiCA might require modifications as the cryptocurrency marketplace continues to mature. Kerstens acknowledged his inability to forecast the future, but noted that financial legislation in the EU characteristically advances through progressive stages, implying it would be "rather unusual" if a "MiCA 2" did not emerge over the course of time.
MiCA incorporates a built-in review mechanism within its structure. The regulation mandates that the Commission must submit a report on its implementation by June 30, 2027, and permits the institution to include legislative proposals alongside that review if circumstances warrant such action, as specified in the Official Journal of the European Union.
MiCA review signals next phase of EU crypto rules
According to Kerstens, the planned review does not stem from any fundamental flaws in the framework, but rather represents a component of broader efforts to guarantee that regulations remain aligned with an evolving market structure. He explained that MiCA was formulated during an era when cryptocurrency markets were characterized by the dominance of a small number of large assets alongside numerous smaller tokens.
He explained that the digital asset ecosystem has subsequently evolved and matured, necessitating that policymakers reevaluate whether the existing framework remains suitable for present-day conditions.
He further highlighted the importance of industry feedback in this process, stating that the Commission would commence with a public consultation characterized by "no taboos." Kerstens extended an invitation to market participants to pinpoint areas where regulations should undergo expansion, modification or remain unaltered.
He cautioned that failure to evolve regulation in tandem with innovation could result in markets developing structures that work around existing rules, thereby generating legal uncertainty.
The comments from Kerstens arrive at a time when various aspects of MiCA and associated frameworks are undergoing practical testing. On March 24, stablecoin issuer Circle urged the European Commission to adjust parts of its proposed Market Integration Package, including lowering thresholds that limit the use of euro-denominated stablecoins in settlement and expanding access for crypto-asset service providers.
Simultaneously, policymakers are engaged in discussions regarding how MiCA should be implemented in practice. On April 3, officials weighed whether to shift supervision of major crypto firms to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) amid concerns over inconsistent enforcement.