Poland Lower House Passes Sanctions Bill Including Crypto Assets

Poland's lower house (Sejm) voted 240‑202, with one abstention, to approve the government‑backed Act on Restrictive Measures on Friday. The legislation expands the national sanctions framework and explicitly adds crypto assets, as defined by the EU Markets in Crypto‑Assets Regulation (MiCA), to the list of funds that can be frozen when sanctions are imposed. The bill was forwarded to the Senate on Monday for further consideration.

Bill Overview

The act broadens the grounds for adding individuals and companies to Poland's national sanctions list, which was originally created in 2022 to counter support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. New criteria include certain forms of foreign interference and information manipulation deemed a serious threat to national security. Crypto assets are now treated on par with traditional financial instruments for freezing purposes.

Legislative Process

The Sejm's approval sends the bill to the Senate, which has 30 days to approve, amend, or reject it. If the Senate takes no action, the Polish Constitution deems the bill approved in the form passed by the Sejm, allowing it to proceed to the president for signature. The interior minister will oversee the sanctions list, with designations taking effect the day after publication. Affected parties may challenge decisions in administrative court, though enforcement can begin before a ruling.

Implications

By incorporating crypto assets into its sanctions toolkit, Poland aligns its domestic law with emerging EU regulatory standards and signals a tougher stance on illicit crypto use. The move may affect crypto service providers operating in Poland and could set a precedent for other EU states.

Key facts

• Sejm vote: 240 in favor, 202 against, 1 abstention.
• Crypto assets defined under EU MiCA are now freeze‑able.
• Interior minister to manage the sanctions list.
• Senate has 30 days to act; otherwise the bill proceeds to the president.
• Expands sanctions grounds to include foreign interference and information manipulation.