Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionise the way we interact with the digital world.

For a large, multifaceted entity like the European Union, transparency and efficiency are top priorities. In 2018, all EU member states, along with Norway and Liechtenstein, and with support from the European Commission, established the European Blockchain Partnership, with its main goal to build and maintain EBSI. EBSI is a joint initiative between the European Commission and the European Blockchain Partnership, and both parties are committed to working together to build a more efficient, user-friendly, and interoperable blockchain ecosystem in Europe.  EBSI will act as the backbone for European blockchain applications and services and will make it easier for companies and public sector organisations to develop and roll out new blockchain-based solutions – an important step forward in unlocking the potential of blockchain technology in Europe. By creating a decentralised, tamper-proof ledger of transactions, blockchain can transform everything from financial services to how we manage our personal data. In doing so, the EBSI is aiming to create new opportunities for businesses and public sector organisations across Europe, and help cement Europe’s position as a world leader in blockchain technology.

The applications are effectively limitless – EBSI can help simplify countries’ administrative and regulatory models, both in government and in the private sector. Blockchain technology has a proven track record of fostering digital trust, preventing fraud, and streamlining access to and use of data. 

The project is built by deploying blockchain ‘nodes’ across Europe, which are intended to serve the purpose of distributed ledgers that will record and verify processes initiated by applications based on predetermined use cases, including cross-border verification of Identity and Educational Credentials, Social Security Coverage, Digital Audit Trails, and Automated Compliance Checks. Additional work is underway to add implementations for trusted data sharing, SME financing, and asylum process management.

Consortium partners

INDUSTRIA Technology – technology consulting and development firm with a focus on distributed ledger technology, smart legal contracts, app development, and UX design.  In this consortium, INDUSTRIA are responsible for project management, overall governance of the proposed project, the dissemination and exploitation of the project results, and the management of intellectual property. LimeChain – the company focuses on public and private blockchain development and smart contract development, providing complete and user-friendly solutions. ReCheck – provides technical expertise and know-how in the development of blockchain-based solutions. The company is a pioneer in developing decentralised applications that generate practical value to businesses. In this consortium, ReCheck LTD will lead the setup and deployment of the Bulgarian EBSI node, as well as lead the design and development of use cases related to Self-Sovereign Identity and Document Traceability. The Edge – a new spin-off company of Junior Achievement Bulgaria that aims to fill in the gap between innovative, high-tech academic research and its commercialisation worldwide. In this consortium, The Edge Research and Business Development Ltd will be responsible for the development and maintenance of the national Helpdesk and the design and delivery of the training programme both in classrooms and online.

The Conference

The ‘Blockchain and the Future of Public Services’ conference will take place on May 12th at the French Institute in Bulgaria at 9:30 AM local time. The conference will include talks from members of the consortium, various EU institutions, businesses, and government and public sector representatives, on topics related to the technology’s potential, safety, and accessibility. You can view the full list of speakers and panels here.