Hungary Moves to Decriminalize Cryptocurrency Transactions Following EU Scrutiny
- Hungary plans to decriminalize specific cryptocurrency transactions, revising regulations from July 2025.
- Previous laws imposed prison sentences of up to five years for using unauthorized crypto exchanges.
- The strict regulations led to a significant decline in local trading volumes and service suspensions by platforms like Revolut.
- The European Union launched an investigation into Hungary’s crypto restrictions for compliance with EU standards.
This policy shift aims to revitalize Hungary’s cryptocurrency market by easing previous restrictions that hindered operations and trading activities. The government’s decision reflects a response to both domestic challenges and external pressures from the European Union.
By addressing its stringent regulations, Hungary seeks to attract global crypto platforms back into its ecosystem, potentially reversing the decline in trading volumes experienced under prior laws that included severe penalties for unauthorized transactions.