Samson Mow, a prominent figure in the Bitcoin community, has recently garnered significant attention for his ambitious vision for Bitcoin in Europe. Mow's bold proposals have not only sparked discussions within the cryptocurrency sphere but have also caught the eye of European policymakers. Notably, France has extended an invitation to Mow, recognizing the potential impact of his ideas on the region's digital currency landscape.
Mow's vision for Bitcoin in Europe is centered around the idea of making the cryptocurrency a more integral part of the continent's financial infrastructure. He advocates for increased adoption and integration of Bitcoin into everyday transactions, aiming to position Europe as a global leader in digital currency innovation. Mow's proposals include the development of regulatory frameworks that support Bitcoin, the establishment of Bitcoin-friendly financial institutions, and the promotion of Bitcoin education and awareness among the general public.
France, known for its progressive stance on technology and innovation, sees the potential of Bitcoin to drive economic growth and technological advancement. By inviting Mow, France aims to foster a dialogue that could lead to the implementation of policies that support the growth of Bitcoin in the region. This initiative could mark a significant turn for Bitcoin's integration into mainstream financial systems, especially in a region ripe for digital innovation. Mow's strategy involves collaborating with local governments and businesses to facilitate the implementation of Bitcoin technology.
The emphasis is on creating robust use-cases that extend beyond mere speculation, aiming for real-world applications. For instance, the potential integration of Bitcoin into French commerce and digital governance could set a precedent for other European nations, altering the broader financial landscape. Samson Mow, founder of Jan3, is focusing on increasing Bitcoin adoption among European nation-states following a promising meeting with French lawmaker Sarah Knafo.
In a post on Saturday, Mow expressed his enthusiasm for initiating a Bitcoin adoption wave in France and potentially across Europe after meeting with Knafo, a member of the European Parliament, at BTC Prague this week. They discussed plans to develop a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for France and promote “friendly regulations” for the asset. Knafo also shared her thoughts on the meeting via her X account, emphasizing the importance of France addressing these issues.
Knafo described her discussions with Mow as excellent, noting his expertise in advising nation-states on Bitcoin adoption, including his work with the President of El Salvador. “We will soon have many projects for France and Europe,” Knafo said. The invitation comes as France continues to expand its involvement with Bitcoin in both the public and private sectors.
On June 3, Paris-based cryptocurrency firm Blockchain Group, acquired 624 Bitcoin for 60.2 million euros, bringing its total holdings to 1,471 Bitcoin. Meanwhile, on March 27, France's state-owned bank Bpifrance said it would spend 25 million euros buying cryptocurrencies that support local crypto and blockchain projects.
Despite these advancements, concerns persist regarding the pace of crypto adoption in Europe. Some executives have voiced worries that Europe's adoption rate is lagging behind other regions. On March 29, Elisenda Fabrega, general counsel at Brickken, a European real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform, told Cointelegraph, "European corporate adoption remains limited.” “This hesitation reflects a deeper structural divide, rooted in regulation, institutional signaling and market maturity,” Fabrega said. “Europe has yet to take a definitive stance on Bitcoin as a reserve asset,” Fabrega added.
MiCA, the European Union's regulatory framework for crypto-assets, was proposed in September 2020, adopted in May 2023, and was fully enforced in December 2024. The push by Samson Mow and his company, JAN3, to drive Bitcoin adoption in France and potentially other European countries could be a watershed moment for cryptocurrency. Their success or failure will largely hinge on navigating the complex interplay between innovative technology and regulatory policies.