Harnessing Blockchain and Decentralized Finance in the Post-COVID-19 European Union

Abstract

This chapter presents a singular convergence between a policy window of opportunity and changes in social habits triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which set timely conditions in the European Union to implement the green and digital transformation programs embodied in the Next Generation European Union (2021-2027). COVID-19 highlighted problems carried out decades ago, such as climate change and natural resources exhaustion, whereas prolonged lockdowns forged consciousness about pollution and overcrowded sites while accelerating the use of digital solutions. Under favorable circumstances to effect changes for a resilient, competitive, and inclusive European Union, the authors focus on the circular economy strategy and elaborate the case for blockchain and tokenization as a key enabling technology to sponsor agile networks for a swift transition to a green and digital society decoupled from resource extraction and waste production. The chapter expands the case for blockchain decentralized finance applications as a means to financialize tokenized green products.