Digital EU and new Belarus - Florian Glatz Summary

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The presentation explores the emergence of non-territorial forms of sovereignty in Europe, driven by factors like climate change, wars, political persecution, and the need for economic competitiveness.
It discusses two key examples: 1) The use of blockchain-based voting by the Belarusian diaspora to hold alternative elections and issue digital passports for a “New Belarus” network state. 2) The proposed creation of a “28th regime” - a virtual EU member state with harmonized rules to foster innovation and competitiveness.
Technical innovations like blockchain voting apps (Vocdoni, Freedom Tools/Rarimo), digital identity solutions, and virtual registries are highlighted as enabling tools.
Key challenges include achieving recognition from nation-states, navigating regulatory frameworks, and ensuring security/legitimacy of decentralized systems.
The presenter shares insights from ongoing projects, campaigns, and policy discussions around these concepts within the EU.

Blockchain technology enables new forms of digital governance and sovereignty beyond traditional nation-states.
The Belarusian diaspora has successfully conducted blockchain-based elections and issued digital passports, exploring a “New Belarus” network state model.
The EU is considering creating a “28th regime” - a virtual member state with harmonized rules to boost innovation and competitiveness.
Such initiatives face challenges around recognition, regulation, and ensuring security/legitimacy of decentralized systems.
There is growing discussion and support for these concepts within the EU, with potential for real-world implementation.
Blockchain-based registries, digital identities, and smart contract enforcement could enable efficient, cross-border economic zones.