Poland’s government has reignited a political and regulatory confrontation over cryptocurrency legislation, pressing President Karol Nawrocki to sign a bill he vetoed just days earlier.
The renewed push comes after the ruling coalition reintroduced the exact same, unchanged crypto bill into parliament, framing it as a matter of national security rather than financial regulation.
President Nawrocki vetoed the original legislation on December 1, 2025. At the time, he cited concerns over excessive regulation, potential threats to civil liberties, and the disproportionate burden the proposed rules could place on small businesses operating in the crypto sector. Parliament attempted to override the veto on December 5 but failed to secure the required three-fifths majority.
Despite that setback, Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government moved quickly. On December 9, lawmakers resubmitted the identical bill, without amendments, signaling a deliberate strategy to force a second decision from the president.
National Security Takes Center Stage
This time, the government has shifted its messaging. Tusk and senior officials are now framing the crypto legislation as an urgent national security issue, arguing that Poland’s lack of comprehensive regulation leaves the country exposed to foreign influence and criminal activity.
According to government statements, authorities have identified hundreds of entities listed in Poland’s crypto registry that are allegedly linked to Russian and Belarusian intelligence services or affiliated criminal networks. Officials warn that without tighter oversight, digital asset platforms could be exploited for espionage, money laundering, or destabilizing financial activities.
The security argument appears central to the renewed effort. Government representatives have indicated that President Nawrocki has since been briefed in a closed parliamentary session on classified national security concerns related to the crypto sector. Following that briefing, officials have suggested that the president may be less inclined to issue a second veto.
Pressure To Align With EU Rules
Beyond domestic security concerns, the bill is designed to bring Poland into compliance with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. MiCA requires each EU member state to designate a national regulator for digital assets and establish consistent licensing and oversight standards.
Poland is currently the only EU country that has not implemented MiCA-aligned legislation. The government argues that continued delay risks isolating Poland within the bloc and weakening its ability to supervise crypto activity effectively.
Industry Pushback Persists
The renewed push has drawn criticism from parts of Poland’s crypto industry. Local businesses and industry groups warn that the proposed licensing requirements and compliance costs are overly strict and could push companies to relocate abroad. Some critics also view the government’s approach as political maneuvering rather than a genuine effort to balance innovation with regulation.
Despite those objections, the government appears determined to advance the bill unchanged, betting that the added emphasis on national security will shift the political calculus.
Whether President Nawrocki signs the legislation or issues a second veto now stands as the next critical test in Poland’s evolving approach to crypto regulation, and in the balance between security, innovation, and executive authority.
