# European Blockchain Sandbox (EBS)

> The European Blockchain Sandbox is an initiative by the European Commission running from 2023 to 2026, supporting 20 blockchain use cases annually. The program aims to foster regulatory dialogue between innovators and authorities while reducing legal uncertainties in blockchain implementation. The initiative provides a safe environment for exchange between blockchain projects and national as well as EU regulatory authorities, without granting legal exemptions.

**Sector:** Tertiary sector · **Industry:** Public infrastructure and utilities · **Organisation:** Europäische Kommission · **Maturity level:** Production

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/europaeische-kommission-regulierung-blockchain-testen

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Production
- **Evidence:** Evidence high
- **Editorial review:** Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026

## Description

The EU relies on two complementary instruments for blockchain regulation and infrastructure: the European Blockchain Sandbox as a testing environment and EBSI (European Blockchain Services Infrastructure) as a productive cross-border blockchain infrastructure.

European Blockchain Sandbox (launched 2022): Companies with innovative blockchain solutions can apply and gain access to a structured dialogue with national and European regulators. Aim: to identify regulatory barriers, derive adaptation needs, and test innovative solutions in a safe environment. The second cohort (2023) included 20 projects from various sectors; the Best Practices Report was published in 2023. EBSI (European Blockchain Services Infrastructure): a blockchain infrastructure jointly developed by the European Commission and European countries. Productive services: (1) Diploma/Europass: over 80 EU universities verify diplomas cross-border. (2) EU Digital Identity Wallet: EBSI as the technical foundation. (3) Trusted Registries: company and certification registers. (4) EDCI (European Digital Credentials for Learning). EBSI is active in all 27 EU member states plus Norway.

## Benefits

- Companies receive direct access to regulatory guidance without legal risks during the development phase.
- Consumers benefit in the long term from safer and more trustworthy blockchain services.
- The sandbox reduces legal uncertainties for blockchain innovations through structured dialogue with regulators.
- The programme promotes the harmonisation of blockchain regulation within the European Union.
- Annual Best Practice Reports and insights strengthen the entire EU blockchain ecosystem.
- Professionals develop expertise at the interface between blockchain technology and regulatory requirements.

## Challenges

- Companies must continue to comply with all applicable laws, even while participating in the sandbox.
- The sandbox does not grant legal exemptions or endorsements but only offers dialogue in a safe environment.
- Fragmentation between different EU member states remains a challenge for harmonisation.
- Employees must develop new skills in regulatory technology to benefit from the initiative.

## Technology foundation

The European Blockchain Sandbox supports all types of blockchain infrastructures, including public and private blockchains as well as specific solutions such as the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI). This technological openness allows various innovators to test and refine their specific blockchain approaches in a regulatory dialogue.

## Sources

- [European Blockchain Sandbox - Blockchain Observatory and Forum](https://blockchain-observatory.ec.europa.eu/european-blockchain-sandbox_en)
- [European Blockchain Sandbox: Second cohort best practices report](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/de/news/european-blockchain-sandbox-second-cohort-best-practices-report)
- [Cross-border services - EBSI](https://digital-finance-platform.ec.europa.eu/cross-border-services/ebsi)