AfD Challenges MiCA’s Grip on Bitcoin
Germany’s main opposition party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), has officially filed a motion in the Bundestag urging the government to recognize Bitcoin as a unique, decentralized digital asset deserving its own framework.
The motion directly challenges the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, arguing that Bitcoin should not be lumped together with other crypto assets such as stablecoins or utility tokens.
AfD lawmakers argue that Bitcoin’s monetary independence and energy integration potential set it apart, and they want Berlin to adopt a more flexible, Bitcoin-specific policy - one that prioritizes innovation over compliance burdens.
Bitcoin as a Strategic Reserve Asset
The AfD motion goes further than a regulatory plea. It calls on the German government to consider Bitcoin as a potential strategic reserve asset, alongside gold and foreign currencies. The proposal argues that Bitcoin could provide monetary stability in times of financial turbulence and strengthen Germany’s position in a world of rising inflation and currency devaluation.
The motion also calls for preserving key tax benefits, including the 12-month holding period for tax-free gains and VAT exemptions for Bitcoin transactions, as well as guaranteeing citizens’ right to self-custody - a principle increasingly challenged in Europe’s tightening regulatory environment.
A Pushback Against Europe’s Crypto Bureaucracy
The AfD’s proposal mirrors a broader pushback across Europe against what many see as heavy-handed implementation of MiCA. Just last month, Éric Ciotti, leader of France’s UDR party, submitted a similar pro-Bitcoin and pro-stablecoin motion in the French parliament - calling for less regulation and more innovation while opposing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
AfD’s motion positions Germany among the EU’s most vocal critics of MiCA, arguing that the framework risks stifling competitiveness and driving startups abroad. However, other analysts note that MiCA has actually helped Germany attract crypto businesses by providing legal clarity.
According to Chainalysis, Germany ranks third in Europe by total crypto value received, trailing only the UK and France, thanks to clear rules and strong institutional adoption.
Germany’s Bitcoin Identity Crisis
The debate in Berlin reflects a growing philosophical divide across Europe - between those who see Bitcoin as a strategic technology for sovereignty and energy innovation, and those who treat it as a speculative asset requiring strict control.
If the AfD’s motion gains traction, Germany could join the global trend of nations exploring Bitcoin reserves, following in the footsteps of El Salvador and Bhutan. Even if the proposal faces long odds in the Bundestag, it’s forcing mainstream politicians to address Bitcoin’s role in Germany’s future monetary policy.
For now, the spotlight is firmly on Berlin - and whether the country’s lawmakers will see Bitcoin as a threat to the euro or a tool for financial independence.
