Polish President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed national legislation intended to implement the European Union’s landmark Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, citing concerns over “freedom,” excessive complexity, and potential government overreach.
Nawrocki justified his decision by stating the law represents a “real threat to the freedom of Poles, their property, and the stability of the state.” This official position was detailed in an update published on the Presidency’s website.
The president criticized the draft law’s extensive length, exceeding 100 pages. He deemed this “excessive” compared to the streamlined versions adopted by neighboring countries like the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Specific provisions in the legislation would allow the government to “deactivate websites of crypto companies with a single click.” Nawrocki argued this lacks sufficient transparency and could open the door to potential abuses of power.
“Over-regulation is a sure way to push companies abroad instead of creating conditions for them to generate income and pay taxes in Poland,” a presidential update stated. It suggested the proposed regulatory fees would favor large corporations and banks at the expense of innovative startups.
The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is a pioneering piece of European Union legislation. It establishes the world’s first comprehensive and harmonized legal framework for regulating cryptocurrencies.
Approved in 2023 and largely in effect last year, MiCA introduces a single license system. This allows crypto exchanges and service providers to operate across all 27 EU member states.
Nawrocki, who took office as an independent in June 2025, has the backing of the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party. This party is currently in opposition to the governing coalition led by Donald Tusk, reflecting existing political divisions.
The veto complicates the uniform adoption of MiCA within Poland. This move positions the country as a significant point of friction in Europe’s efforts to standardize digital asset supervision.
To override the presidential veto, the Polish Parliament (Sejm) would need a three-fifths majority of deputies. This high threshold could prolong the legislative debate.
This development occurs just days after the European Commission issued positive reports on MiCA’s implementation in other member nations. The Polish situation now stands out amid the EU’s broader push to balance consumer protection with the growth of the multi-billion-dollar crypto market.