Germany’s AfD Says Bitcoin Should Be a National Strategic Asset

Germany’s parliament will review a motion from opposition party Alternative for Germany (AfD) that urges the government to recognize Bitcoin as a unique asset requiring a distinct strategy. The filing argues Bitcoin should be carved out from the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets framework, warning that heavy regulation on providers and users could damage innovation, weaken financial freedom, and erode digital sovereignty.

AfD says Germany’s current tax stance on Bitcoin is largely favorable, but legal uncertainty still discourages long term holders. The motion calls for preserving the twelve month holding period for tax exempt gains, keeping Bitcoin’s VAT exemption, and protecting the right to self custody. It also presses Berlin to examine Bitcoin’s potential as part of national currency reserves and as a tool for energy integration, areas the party says the government has neglected despite growing international interest.

Germany’s debate mirrors moves elsewhere in Europe. On October 22, French lawmaker Éric Ciotti backed a motion to soften elements of MiCA to foster stablecoin growth while opposing central bank digital currencies. Supporters of a lighter touch say tailored rules can attract capital and talent.

Still, not everyone agrees that MiCA is a drag on adoption. The EU framework, implemented in full in late 2024, has also helped position Germany as a favored base for crypto native companies, according to Chainalysis. Its latest Europe adoption report ranks Germany third on the continent by total crypto value received, evidence that clear rules can coexist with growth.

If adopted, AfD’s proposal would place Germany among EU states weighing national Bitcoin reserves and more flexible regulation, signaling that Europe’s crypto policy fight is far from settled.