Digital Euro and Stablecoins
Digital Euro and Stablecoins
Business & Economy

Tue. May 20, 6:30PM

Digital Euro and Stablecoins

What’s at stake for Europe’s future monetary system?

The U.S. is turning to stablecoins to uphold the dollar’s global influence. China is rolling out a fully centralized CBDC. Europe is accelerating work on a digital euro — yet the regulatory environment remains unfavourable to the emergence of euro-based stablecoins.As these new models emerge, critical questions arise: How do we ensure that programmable money doesn’t become a tool of control? Is Europe at risk of being sidelined in issuing its own euro-denominated stablecoins? How could stablecoins complement CBDCs within a dual-layer monetary system?

And beyond that — is there a path where both models can coexist in a balanced, sustainable ecosystem?

This event will explore what these new forms of money represent — both as threats and opportunities — and how we can shape a system that protects liberty while enabling meaningful transformation.


Program - 19h00 - 20h30 :


Keynote 1 – Raoul Ullens & Dimitri Iadanza – Co-founders Brussels Blockchain Week

"Stablecoins and CBDCs: Why Europe needs both"


Keynote 2 – Jon Helgi Egilson – Co-Founder, Monerium

"Bridging Two Worlds: How Monerium Connects Traditional Banking and Stablecoins"


Keynote 3 – Peter Kerstens - Adviser for Technological Innovation and Cybersecurity at European Commission

"“Europe's Money Future”



speaker

Raoul Ullens

Raoul Ullens is an entrepreneur tackling inefficiencies in social security and monetary systems. As co-founder of Gratiago, he pioneers innovative tools to enhance patient adherence, reducing hospitalizations and easing the financial burden on healthcare systems. He also founded Brussels Blockchain Week to clarify the transformative impact of blockchain, bringing together leaders to address regulation, technology, and policy. Passionate about AI and blockchain, Raoul helps businesses integrate these technologies, extract insights from data, and drive innovation in healthcare. His work is dedicated to making complex systems more efficient and sustainable.

speaker

Dimitri Ladanza

Dimitri Iadanza is a Key Account Sales Manager at Hilti Belux, a leading provider of tools, technology, and services for the construction industry. In this role, he focuses on building strategic partnerships and delivering tailored solutions to major clients across Belgium and Luxembourg. His work is driven by a commitment to innovation and improving construction processes. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Iadanza is actively involved in the tech and innovation ecosystem, notably through his engagement with Brussels Blockchain Week, where he contributes to discussions on emerging technologies and their applications in business.

speaker

Jón Helgi Egilsson

Jón Helgi Egilsson is former chairman of the Supervisory Board of Iceland’s Central Bank andis co-founder and Head of Strategic Partnerships at Monerium, a fintech company issuing e-money on blockchains. He is also an Executive Fellow at King’s Business School and affiliated with the Qatar Centre for Global Banking and Finance at King’s College London. Previously, Egilsson taught economics at Reykjavik University, the University of Iceland, and Columbia University. He contributes to Forbes on digital finance and regularly speaks at international financial policy forums. Holding a Ph.D. in Economics and an M.Sc. in Engineering, Egilsson bridges economics, policy, and technology with a focus on the future of money.

speaker

Peter Kerstens

Peter Kerstens is a leading expert in digital finance and regulation at the European Commission, widely recognised as the “father of MiCA” for his pivotal role in developing the EU’s landmark Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. A driving force behind major digital finance frameworks including MiCA and DORA, Peter brings deep experience shaping policy on stablecoins, CBDCs, and fintech innovation at both European and international levels. Renowned for his strategic insight and engaging style, he is one of the most influential voices in the evolving landscape of digital assets.
Start
Tue. May 20, 6:30PM
End
Tue. May 20, 9:30PM
Format
TheMerode Talks
Language
English (US)
Guest allowed?
Yes, 1 per member

Address

Event
Place Poelaert, 6
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Parking
Parking Poelaert, Place Poelaert 1000 Brussels

Detailed programme

Welcome
Tue. May 20, 6:30PM
Start of the event
Tue. May 20, 7:00PM
Networking
Tue. May 20, 8:30PM
End
Tue. May 20, 9:30PM