Belgian politician Christophe De Beukelaer becomes the first European official to be paid in crypto

While the crypto market keeps struggling to get back its momentum, there are no problems with its popularity. Yesterday, the first European official to receive his salary in digital currency has announced his decision to follow this path for the entire year. Unsurprisingly, he was inspired (and acknowledged it) by the similar move made by the mayor of New York City, Eric Adams.

Belgian Federal Parliament member Christophe De Beukelaer has posted the following message on his Twitter account: "Thanks to @NYCMayor for the inspiration. Just as you do for New York in the US, I want Brussels to become the leading city in Europe for #blockchain, #Crypto and #Web3. In 2022, I will be working on this. Full tilt."

While everything looks simple at first sight, De Beukelaer's decision raises at least a few questions that should get an answer in the coming months. For now, crypto is far from regulation and accepting payments in Bitcoin (as it happens in his case) or any other cryptocurrency means that the salary is converted to that cryptocurrency using one of the many platforms available. How long will it take for a proper legal framework to be ready in the EU and the US, thus allowing direct crypto payments to any employee who chooses so? Which platforms will be approved for use by the states who decide to go this way? Is it possible for the market to hit a new all-time high this year thanks to the increasing popularity owed to such decisions?

In the sports world, quite a few athletes have decided to accept Bitcoin payments. The list includes NFL players like Odell Beckham Jr. and Trevor Lawrence, NBA players Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala, and others.

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