The government of Montenegro has granted Ethereum co-founder and developer Vitalik Buterin Montenegrin citizenship as part of its plan to become the next hub of innovation and development for blockchain technology in Europe.
Vitalik Buterin, known as the genius behind the creation of Ethereum, is now a Montenegrin citizen.
The Balkan country's government announced during a visit by Buterin that it wants to become the next hub of innovation and development for blockchain technology in Europe. As part of this effort, it has given the co-founder and developer of Ethereum, the second most capitalized blockchain in the crypto industry, a passport that accredits him as a citizen of the country.
Zdravko Krivokapić, the Prime Minister of Montenegro, was the one who suggested giving Buterin citizenship as one of the greatest experts in the industry. cryptocurrencies, and technology blockchain, local media reported. Krivokapić noted that this represents an important step in the right direction to consolidate his plans to turn Montenegro into a technological hub, to attract investors from the crypto industry and create new opportunities to contribute to development and innovation.
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Montenegro wants to boost its economy with blockchain
Montenegro is one of the smallest countries in Europe and also one of the most developed in the region. Its economy is based mainly on services, energy and tourism. In 2020 it ranked as the 154th country by volume of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the data de Expansion.
Now, the government is making a major effort to promote the crypto industry, with the aim of boosting and diversifying its economy and becoming a benchmark center for technological and digital innovation in Europe.
On the road to blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation
Montenegro has prioritized blockchain development and is working on creating a regulatory framework that will allow for the adoption and better use of this technology and cryptocurrencies, in order to contribute to the growth of the Montenegrin economy and stimulate the development of the crypto industry.
It is worth noting that the government wants to develop new services based on emerging technologies that meet the needs of its citizens, while offering new opportunities within an industry that is constantly growing and transforming.
Vitalik Buterin, for his part, encouraged the Montenegrin authorities to create educational initiatives that promote learning and knowledge about these emerging technologies among the younger generations.
Buterin was joined by Vlad Zamfir, Ethereum researcher, and Boris Mamlyk, professor at the University of Memphis, during the panel. “Future now! A new era of Montenegrin finance”, held in the city of Podgorica, capital of Montenegro. The smart contracts, digital identity and crypto regulation were some of the topics discussed during the panel on innovation.
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