Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has been granted Montenegrin citizenship. Buterin joins other members of the crypto community with global experience who have been invited to help the small Southeast European nation attract investments and develop its blockchain sector.
Vitalik Buterin obtains a Montenegrin passport
Vitalik Buterin, a leading crypto figure, is now a citizen of Montenegro, the country’s public service broadcaster revealed this week. Radio Televizija Crne Gore (RTCG) quoted an official announcement from the Ministry of Finance and Social Affairs in Podgorica.
According to the report, the Russian-born Canadian programmer and blockchain specialist acquired his new Montenegrin passport at the suggestion of Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić and the Minister of Finance Milojko Spajić. A statement from his department noted:
Interior Minister Sergej Sekulović, recognizing the importance of this initiative, took the decision to admit Vitalik Buterin to Montenegrin citizenship on the proposal of the Prime Minister, and today he received a Montenegrin passport.
The finance ministry pointed out that a group of global crypto experts have visited Montenegro at the invitation of Minister Spajić. Montenegrin authorities believe the cooperation with them will contribute to developing the country’s economy, attracting investments and creating new, high-paying jobs in this particular field.
In comments made after a recent panel titled “Future Now! A new era of Montenegrin finance,” Buterin said, Montenegro needs to have a good legislative base as well as the capacity to educate younger generations so that its citizens can benefit from the technologies associated with digital assets.
The co-founder of Ethereum, one of the best-known representatives of the crypto space, is expected to support the further promotion of Montenegro and the overall development of the blockchain industry in the small Balkan nation. The country is currently working on a comprehensive legislative framework that would enable the best use of crypto technology and spur growth in the sector.
