Page History

<h2 class="h2-home">Get Started<h2/>

<div class="collapse" id="accordionGroup" data-allow-multiple>

    <!--FAQ 1-->
    <div class="collapse-item">

        <h3>
            <button class="collapse-trigger" id="faq1" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sect1"> 
<span class="collapse-title h4">What is the             <span class="collapse-title h4">What is the European Blockchain Sandbox?<span
                        class="collapse-icon"></span> </span> </button>
        </h3>

        <div class="collapse-panel" id="sect1" role="region" aria-labelledby="faq1" hidden="">

            <p>The pan-European Blockchain Regulatory Sandbox for innovative use cases involving Distributed Ledger
                Technologies (DLT) is an initiative of the European Commission. The aim of the project is to provide a
                framework for regulators, supervising authorities and blockchain innovators to engage in regulatory
 dialogue, identify obstacles from a legal &          dialogue, identify obstacles from a legal & regulatory perspective in a safe and confidential
                environment, and thus increase legal certainty for innovative decentralized technology solutions,
                including blockchain. The sandboxSandbox will allow regulators and supervisors to enhance their knowledge of
                cutting edge blockchain technologies. Legal advice will be provided and regulatory experience and
                guidance will be contributed in a safe and confidential environment. The dialogues will be held across
                industry sectors and geographic regions, which will help to identify and communicateexchange best practices in the
 interest of the wider EU/EEA blockchain           interest of the wider EU/EEA blockchain community. The best practices reports will identify regulatory
                and legal issues and solutions with a focus of sharing insights and lessons learned across sectors.
The</p>

            <p>The initiative will annually support 20 projects starting in 2023 and is open to use cases based on any
                blockchain infrastructure. Blockchain use cases will be selected on the basis of the maturity of their
                business case, legal/regulatory relevance and their contribution to the EU’s wider policy priorities and
                matched with national and EU regulators. Further information about the selection criteria and the
 application process can be found on the website. Start-ups,        application process can be found on the website. Companies (including start-ups and scale-ups) and mature companies
                public entities with a validated proof of concept are invited to participate. Every year, the most
                innovative regulator participating in the sandboxSandbox will be awarded a prize. 
The</p>

            <p>The pan-European Blockchain Sandbox Sandboxisis set up and operated by a consortium of legal experts from the law
 firm Bird & Bird and its consulting arm OXYGY supported by blockchain experts of WBNoDE whichfirm has<strong>Bird been& procuredBird</strong> throughand anits openconsulting callarm for<strong>OXYGY</strong> tenderssupported inby 2022.blockchain
 The selection and the award process will be overseen by a panel of independent academics consistingexperts of Professor Roman Beck (IT-University, Copenhagen), Professor Soulla Louca (University of Nicosia, Cyprus) and Professor Walter Blocher (Universities of Kassel and Vienna).</p>

</div>
</div>
<!---->

<!--FAQ 2-->
<div class="collapse-item">

<h3>
<button class="collapse-trigger" id="faq2" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sect2"> 
<span class="collapse-title h4">Who can apply to the Sandbox?<span class="collapse-icon"></span> </span> </button>
</h3>

<div class="collapse-panel" id="sect2" role="region" aria-labelledby="faq2" hidden="">

<p>Innovative start-ups, scale ups, and companies of all sizes and maturity based in the EEA may participate in the application process. EEA-based companies can operate in a consortium with non-EEA companies provided that the beneficiary project in the sandbox is under the lead of an EEA-based company. The applicant must have been a legal person for at least six (6) months either as: i) a legal entity registered in the professional or commercial register according to the rules of the EEA Member State where it is established, or ii) a public body established in one of the EEA Member States. The applicant should submit a validated proof of concept for a blockchain/DLT application (e.g. case studies, financial information, results document, press release, which can be strengthened by a proof of an EU funding decision, an EU Seal of Excellence, or 1st place award in an EU competition in the last 5 years.). In addition, the applicant should submit the application form that is available on the website in English. The application form should be complete, accurate and up to date. 
Use cases that fulfil these eligibility criteria will be selected on the basis of the maturity of the business case, legal/regulatory relevance and the contribution to the EU’s wider policy priorities. Further information about the selection criteria and the application process can be found on the website. Only one application may be made per applicant.
A company may apply as part of a consortium, association, or group of companies with a shared use case. If applying on behalf of a consortium, the applicant must have permission to submit on behalf of the group.</p>

</div>
</div>
<!---->

<!--FAQ 3-->
<div class="collapse-item">

<h3>
<button class="collapse-trigger" id="faq3" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sect3"> 
<span class="collapse-title h4">What are the benefits for blockchain use cases in having been selected for participation in the European Blockchain Regulatory Sandbox?<span class="collapse-icon"></span> </span> </button>
</h3>

<div class="collapse-panel" id="sect3" role="region" aria-labelledby="faq3" hidden="">

<p>The regulatory sandbox aims to provide legal certainty through facilitating regulatory dialogue and cooperation between innovators and regulators at the national and the EU level. Blockchain companies participating in the sandbox have the opportunity to demonstrate their innovative solutions and highlight their needs regarding regulatory guidance and legal certainty to regulators and supervisors in a safe environment. They will receive legal advice from legal experts and be part of a constructive dialogue with national and EU regulators. Also they will be able to develop their regulatory understanding and extend their network and reputation through their participation in this pan-European project.</p>

</div>
</div>
<!----> 


 <!--FAQ 4-->
<div class="collapse-item">

<h3>
<button class="collapse-trigger" id="faq4" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sect4"> 
<span class="collapse-title h4">What are the benefits for national and EU regulators to take part in the European Blockchain Regulatory Sandbox?<span class="collapse-icon"></span> </span> </button>
</h3>

<div class="collapse-panel" id="sect4" role="region" aria-labelledby="faq4" hidden="">

<p>National regulators and supervising authorities will be able to discuss regulatory issues that have arisen on a national level in a crossborder setting with other EU and national regulators making use of the pan-European sandbox framework that is established for this project. Regulators have the chance to support use-case applications for the sandbox. Participating regulators and supervising authorities will have an opportunity to contribute to the development of best practices and lessons learned which can be shared between them. Moreover regulators will be able  to cooperate and exchange experiences and insights with other national and EU regulators participating in the sandbox for a specific use case. In addition the sandbox will allow regulators and supervising bodies to enhance their knowledge of cutting edge technologies involving blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. The best practices reports will identify regulatory and legal issues and solutions with a focus of mutual learning across sectors.  The best practice reports will be prominently published, highlighting the contributions of the participating regulators and supervisors. Each year there will be an award for the most innovative regulator.</p>

</div>
</div>
<!----> 



  <!--FAQ 5-->
<div class="collapse-item">

<h3>
<button class="collapse-trigger" id="faq5" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sect5"> 
<span class="collapse-title h4">What is the anticipated time commitment that should be expected for participation in the European Blockchain Regulatory Sandbox?<span class="collapse-icon"></span> </span> </button>
</h3>

<div class="collapse-panel" id="sect5" role="region" aria-labelledby="faq5" hidden="">

<p>The operation of the sandbox will be organised as efficiently as possible. Selected use cases will be provided with legal advice in the form of a first written legal assessment, identifying applicable EU and national laws and pointing to areas where particular regulatory questions may arise. Two sandbox meetings will be organised per use case with the selected use case owner and the participating national and EU regulators/supervisors. Bird & Bird legal experts will participate at the meetings to provide ongoing legal advice. The meetings will be held virtually and minutes will be prepared during the meetings. All documents that are exchanged or prepared as part of the meetings will only be accessible for the participants safeguarding confidential information. Further details about the operation of the sandbox are given in the Protocol for Participation that is published on the website. The use case owner and the regulator(s) are requested to submit the feedback form at the end of the Sandbox operations.</p>

</div>
</div>
<!---->   





</div>

 <strong>Warren Brandeis</strong> which
                has been procured through an <a
                    href="https://etendering.ted.europa.eu/cft/cft-display.html?cftId=8273">open call for tenders</a> in
                2022. The selection and the award process will be
                overseen by a panel of independent academics consisting of <strong>Professor Roman Beck</strong>
                (IT-University,
                Copenhagen), <strong>Professor Soulla Louca</strong> (University of Nicosia, Cyprus) and
                <strong>Professor Walter Blocher</strong>
                (Universities of Kassel and Vienna).
            </p>

        </div>
    </div>
    <!---->

    <!--FAQ 2-->
    <div class="collapse-item">

        <h3>
            <button class="collapse-trigger" id="faq2" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sect2">
                <span class="collapse-title h4">Who can apply to the Sandbox?<span class="collapse-icon"></span> </span>
            </button>
        </h3>

        <div class="collapse-panel" id="sect2" role="region" aria-labelledby="faq2" hidden="">

            <p>Companies (including start-ups and scale-ups), non-profit organisations and public bodies with a
                validated proof of concept can apply. EEA-based applicants can operate in a consortium with non-EEA
                companies/entities provided that the beneficiary project in the Sandbox is under the lead of an
                EEA-based company. The Sandbox is open to use cases based on any blockchain infrastructure. The
                applicant must (by the deadline for the submission of an application specified on the website) have been
                a legal person for at least six (6) months either as: i) a legal entity registered in the professional
                or commercial register for companies or non-profit organisations according to the rules of the EEA
                Member State where it is established, or ii) a public body established in one of the EEA Member States
                which will be determined in accordance with the EU Commission’s ‘Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR
                Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment’ Version 4.0. The applicant should submit a validated
                proof of concept for a blockchain/DLT application (e.g. case studies, financial information, results
                document, press release, which can be strengthened by a proof of an EU funding decision, an EU Seal of
                Excellence, or 1st place award in an EU competition in the last 5 years). In addition, the applicant
                should submit the application form that is available online in English. The application form should be
                complete, accurate and up to date.</p>

            <p>Use cases that fulfil these eligibility criteria will be selected on the basis of the maturity of the
                business case, legal/regulatory relevance and their contribution to the EU’s wider policy priorities.
                Further information about the selection criteria and the application process can be found on the
                website. Only one application may be made per applicant.</p>

            <p>An applicant may apply as part of a consortium, association, or group of companies/entities with a shared
                use case. If applying on behalf of a consortium, the applicant must have permission to submit on behalf
                of the group.</p>

        </div>
    </div>
    <!---->

    <!--FAQ 3-->
    <div class="collapse-item">

        <h3>
            <button class="collapse-trigger" id="faq3" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sect3">
                <span class="collapse-title h4">What are the benefits for blockchain use cases in having been selected
                    for participation in the European Blockchain regulatory sandbox?<span class="collapse-icon"></span>
                </span> </button>
        </h3>

        <div class="collapse-panel" id="sect3" role="region" aria-labelledby="faq3" hidden="">

            <p>The regulatory Sandbox aims to provide legal certainty through facilitating regulatory dialogue and
                cooperation between innovators and regulators at the national and the EU level. DLT use cases
                participating in the Sandbox have the opportunity to demonstrate their innovative solutions and
                highlight their needs regarding regulatory guidance and legal certainty to regulators and supervisors in
                a safe and confidential environment. They will receive legal advice from legal experts and be part of a
                constructive dialogue with national and EU regulators. Also, they will be able to develop their
                regulatory understanding and extend their network and reputation through their participation in this
                pan-European project. No fee will be charged for the application and participation in the Sandbox but
                there will not be reimbursement of costs.</p>

        </div>
    </div>
    <!---->


    <!--FAQ 4-->
    <div class="collapse-item">

        <h3>
            <button class="collapse-trigger" id="faq4" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sect4">
                <span class="collapse-title h4">What are the benefits for national and EU regulators to take part in the
                    European Blockchain regulatory sandbox?<span class="collapse-icon"></span> </span> </button>
        </h3>

        <div class="collapse-panel" id="sect4" role="region" aria-labelledby="faq4" hidden="">

            <p>National regulators and supervising authorities will be able to discuss regulatory issues that have
                arisen on a national level in a cross border setting with other EU and national regulators making use of
                the pan-European Sandbox framework that is established for this project. Regulators have the chance to
                support applications of use-cases for the Sandbox that they find particularly relevant for a regulatory
                dialogue. Further details about the support that regulators can give are included in the Selection
                Criteria that are published on the website: <a class=""
                    href="https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EBSISANDCOLLAB/Key+documents"
                    target="_blank" onclick="event.stopPropagation();">here.</a> Participating regulators and
                supervising authorities will have an opportunity to contribute to the development of best practices and
                lessons learned which can be shared between them. Moreover, regulators will be able to cooperate and
                exchange experiences and insights with other national and EU regulators participating in the Sandbox for
                a specific use case. In addition, the Sandbox will allow regulators and supervising bodies to enhance
                their knowledge of cutting edge technologies involving blockchain and distributed ledger technologies.
                The best practices reports will identify regulatory and legal issues and solutions with a focus on
                fostering mutual learning across sectors. The best practice reports will be prominently published,
                highlighting the contributions of the participating regulators and supervisors. Each year there will be
                an award for the most innovative regulator.</p>

        </div>
    </div>
    <!---->



    <!--FAQ 5-->
    <div class="collapse-item">

        <h3>
            <button class="collapse-trigger" id="faq5" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sect5">
                <span class="collapse-title h4">What is the anticipated time commitment that should be expected for
                    participation in the European Blockchain regulatory sandbox?<span class="collapse-icon"></span>
                </span> </button>
        </h3>

        <div class="collapse-panel" id="sect5" role="region" aria-labelledby="faq5" hidden="">

            <p>The application process and operation of the Sandbox will be organised in a streamlined manner. Selected
                use cases will be provided with legal advice in the form of a first written legal assessment,
                identifying applicable EU and national laws and pointing to areas where particular regulatory questions
                may arise. Two Sandbox meetings will be organised per use case with the selected use case owner and the
                participating national and EU regulators/supervisors. Bird & Bird legal experts will participate at the
                meetings to provide legal advice also on the basis of questions that can be submitted in advance. The
                meetings will be held virtually and short minutes will be prepared. All documents that are exchanged or
                prepared as part of the meetings will only be accessible for the participants safeguarding confidential
                information. Further details about the operation of the Sandbox are given in the Protocol for
                Participation that is published on the website: <a target="_blank"
                    href="https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EBSISANDCOLLAB/Key+documents">here</a>.
                The use case owner and the regulator(s) are
                requested to submit the feedback form at the end of the Sandbox operations.</p>

        </div>
    </div>
    <!---->
</div>