Germany has established the Bitcoin Federal Association (BTCBV) in the Bundestag, with a focus on lobbying, networking, and influencing Bitcoin-related legislation. Spearheaded by Bitcoin activist and Bundestag member Joana Cotar, the BTCBV was founded with the involvement of 50 members in person and 22 remotely. The association aims to foster collaboration among businesses, researchers, developers, and politicians to positively shape the Bitcoin ecosystem in both Germany and the EU.
Philipp J.A. Hartmannsgruber was elected as chairman, alongside Daniel Wingen as vice-chairman and Matthias Steger as finance director. The founding members include representatives from companies like 21bitcoin, Blocksize, and Coinfinity. BTCBV is also planning to join the German lobby register.
Interestingly, Germany, which once held 46,359 BTC—worth approximately $3.05 billion—confiscated during a 2013 piracy operation, liquidated its entire Bitcoin holdings in 2024, leaving the government with no Bitcoin reserves.
