EU Opens MiCA Review on Stablecoins and DeFi

European Union flags flying outside a modern glass office building in an urban setting.

The European Commission has opened public and targeted consultations on MiCA, asking whether the EU crypto rulebook needs updates for stablecoins, DeFi and tokenized assets.

Both consultations launched on May 20 and run until Aug. 31 2026. The feedback will support the Commission’s formal review of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation and could shape a second phase of EU crypto rules.

Aug. 31 Deadline Starts Formal MiCA Review

The review goes beyond a narrow technical check. In its consultation paper, the Commission said MiCA began applying in part on June 30 2024 and in full on Dec. 30 2024. It said crypto markets and global policy frameworks have moved quickly since the law was designed.

The exercise is meant to test whether the EU framework remains fit for purpose as traditional financial firms move deeper into crypto, stablecoins and tokenized assets.

Stablecoin Reserve and Redemption Rules Face Review

Stablecoins are one of the main areas under review. The targeted consultation asks whether MiCA’s regime for asset-referenced tokens and e-money tokens still works as intended.

The questions cover prudential rules, reserve requirements, redemption rights, crisis-management tools and the “multi-issuance” model used by global tokens. The paper asks whether the stablecoin framework remains fit for purpose or needs adjustment because of market and international developments.

DeFi, Staking and Lending Remain Outside MiCA’s Core Scope

DeFi is another clear pressure point. The Commission said the consultation covers decentralized finance, staking, lending and borrowing, NFTs and whether MiCA should provide more legal certainty for crypto-assets and other on-chain assets.

A dedicated section of the consultation is reserved for policy areas outside MiCA’s current scope, starting with decentralized finance. That matters because MiCA was designed mainly around issuers and crypto-asset service providers, while much of DeFi remains difficult to fit into that structure.

Tokenized Asset Questions Could Shape MiCA’s Next Phase

The review also covers tokenized assets and legal uncertainty around on-chain ownership and transfers. The consultation notes that some tokenized assets fall outside MiCA because other EU financial-services laws may apply. It asks respondents to rate the urgency of unresolved legal questions tied to tokenized asset structures.

For now, the consultation does not change EU crypto law. It is an evidence-gathering step tied to MiCA’s built-in review clauses under Articles 140 and 142. The feedback will help determine whether MiCA needs a second phase as stablecoins, DeFi and tokenized assets continue to scale.

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Fhumulani Lukoto Cryptocurrency Journalist

Fhumulani Lukoto holds a Bachelors Degree in Journalism enabling her to become the writer she is today. Her passion for cryptocurrency and bitcoin started in 2021 when she began producing content in the space. A naturally inquisitive person, she dove head first into all things crypto to gain the huge wealth of knowledge she has today. Based out of Gauteng, South Africa, Fhumulani is a core member of the content team at Coin Insider.

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