In: Frontier technologies

2025 will be pivotal in human history, characterized by sweeping socio-economic, technological, and geopolitical transformations. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, blockchain, and other frontier technologies will redefine the global landscape, particularly as the U.S. and China navigate their evolving agendas. With an unprecedented demand for efficiency and innovation, the European Union (EU) faces a critical juncture: to embrace these transformative technologies or risk being left behind.

The Role of Blockchain in EU Innovation

Blockchain technology emerges as a powerful catalyst for change, allowing individuals and organizations to establish trust in data without relying on third-party authorities. This innovation is poised to revolutionize online information sharing and transactions, giving the EU a unique opportunity to assert itself as a leader in global innovation. At the forefront of this transformation is HashNET, Europe’s competitive blockchain innovation.HashNET is a TRL8-ready Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform capable of processing up to 20,000 transactions per second using Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) smart contracts. Its mission is to create a secure, scalable, and sustainable blockchain ecosystem that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and EU priorities, including the Green Deal, MiCA regulations, and the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) framework.

HashNET’s Journey and Achievements

Since its inception in 2018, HashNET has made significant strides in blockchain. It developed its initial platform with an investment of 26,000 ETH. In 2019, it launched SI-Chain—the world’s first national test DLT infrastructure—in collaboration with Slovenia’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology. Today, HashNET supports global projects like Tanzania’s DLT infrastructure, funded by the UN, and initiatives such as DOME Marketplace, EBSI Vectors, Trace4EU, and IPCE-CIS, collectively accounting for €3 billion in funding.Despite its potential, blockchain adoption within the EU encounters challenges such as scalability, environmental concerns, and regulatory alignment. While the U.S. accelerates its blockchain advancements and China integrates blockchain into its national strategy, HashNET confronts these challenges directly. Its patented technology enables unparalleled transaction management capabilities, processing up to 100,000 simple transactions per second.

A Unique Position in the Market

HashNET is the only EU-owned technology capable of managing billions of complex transactions across AI agents, IoT devices, and robots on a distributed ledger. Its applications span critical sectors, including payment systems (Digital Euro), notarization services, digital passports and credentials, elections management, Metaverse solutions, and supply chain management. With EVM compatibility, HashNET ensures seamless migration for existing Ethereum-based applications, establishing itself as a future-proof solution for enterprises and governments.Compared to competitors like Solana, IOTA, Hyperledger, Hashgraph, and Algorand, HashNET offers unmatched speed, scalability, and security—a crucial advantage as Europe seeks to maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly digital world.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future

As we approach 2025—a year marked by rapid technological evolution—the EU must seize this moment to embrace transformative technologies like blockchain. By doing so through platforms like HashNET, Europe can position itself as a global innovator while addressing pressing socio-economic challenges. The choices made today will shape the future of technology and the broader trajectory of global dynamics in this pivotal era.