The attempt to regulate Poland’s crypto market has turned into a political standoff. Lawmakers in the Sejm failed to overturn President Karol Nawrocki’s veto, blocking legislation meant to align the country with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. Nawrocki defended his veto by arguing that the bill was overly restrictive, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk blamed the failed vote on alleged Russian interference in Poland’s legislative process.

The bill, intended to regulate the domestic crypto market in line with European standards, required a three-fifths majority in the Sejm to override the president. The chamber fell short, meaning Tusk’s government must restart the legislative process if it wants Poland to meet MiCA requirements.

Nawrocki said the framework was too harsh — critics within the crypto community agreed. The proposed rules included penalties of up to two years in prison and fines reaching 10 million Polish zlotys ($2.75 million) for each violation. Janus Kowalski, a Sejm member, called the 118-page document excessive compared to other EU countries, noting that Cyprus adopted a one-page law and Germany just 78 pages.

Tusk, however, presented a starkly different explanation. In a classified parliamentary session, he claimed that Russian operatives were using cryptocurrencies to finance sabotage and influence politics in Poland. He described the matter as one of national security, asserting that “part of the cryptocurrency market is clearly infiltrated and controlled by Russian and Belarusian entities.”

Tusk’s cabinet criticised the veto, warning that it leaves Polish consumers exposed to widespread fraud. In recent years, authorities recorded nearly six thousand suspected cases involving cryptocurrencies. Tusk told opposition lawmakers: “Decide who you want to protect: national security or the Russian mafia investing in these ventures?” He did not provide further evidence supporting his claims.

Nawrocki rejected accusations of being influenced by Russia, saying he had received no security briefings regarding cryptocurrency use prior to issuing his veto.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/business/polish-parliament-upholds-crypto-veto-brushing-aside-pms-russia-warning-2025-12-05/

https://brusselssignal.eu/2025/12/polish-pm-tusk-claims-russian-influence-blocked-crypto-currency-legislation/

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-05/polish-lawmakers-fail-to-overturn-veto-on-crypto-assets-bill

https://blockzeit.com/crypto-industry-scores-major-win-poland-defies-eu-mica-rules/