Moldova, a candidate country for the EU, has officially made a major move—Finance Minister Andrean Gavrilitsa recently announced that a new regulatory framework for crypto assets will be launched in 2026. This is not just talk; it aims to establish legal protections for the entire crypto market in accordance with EU MiCA regulations.

Sound exciting? Hold on, there are quite a few nuances:

**Legal but restricted in use.** Citizens can hold and trade cryptocurrencies with legal protections, but with a major caveat—you cannot use Bitcoin to buy coffee or settle payments with Ethereum. Imagine holding coins that you can't spend—how does that feel?

**Trading profits are taxable.** Holding cryptocurrencies itself is not taxed, but any profits earned must pay a 12% income tax. The government has made it clear: if you play, we get a share. This tax rate is relatively moderate compared to other European countries.

**Anti-money laundering and security controls are essential.** The government is determined to crack down on illegal financing and money laundering. Regulatory authorities will authorize specific institutions to operate, opening up the market while plugging loopholes through regulations.

Why is Moldova so proactive? Simply put, it’s preparing to join the EU. Before integrating into the EU market, it’s building a comprehensive local crypto regulatory system to better meet EU standards and expectations.

**The practical issue now:** Allow trading to generate profits, prohibit using cryptocurrencies as a means of payment, and still impose taxes—does this logic hold? Will this "open yet regulated" model become a template for other countries? Is a 12% tax rate acceptable to you, or do you find it a bit harsh?

Rather than saying it’s a liberalization, it’s more about precise balancing. Moldova chooses to let crypto operate in the sunlight rather than banning it outright or leaving it completely unregulated. This approach might inspire other countries that are still hesitating.