The perception of cryptocurrency across Europe is evolving rapidly, shaped by technological awareness, regulatory developments, and real-world adoption. A recent large-scale survey conducted by Tokyo-based crypto exchange bitFlyer offers valuable insights into how European citizens view the future of digital assets. With 10,000 respondents across ten countries—Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom—the study reveals both optimism and skepticism about the long-term role of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
This comprehensive look into European sentiment highlights key trends in public trust, investment expectations, and the growing legitimacy of blockchain technology in mainstream society.
Widespread Belief in Cryptocurrency’s Long-Term Survival
According to the bitFlyer research, 63% of Europeans believe that cryptocurrency will still exist in some form a decade from now. This majority consensus reflects a growing acceptance of digital currencies beyond speculative hype. In every surveyed country, more than half of respondents expect crypto to endure, signaling a shift toward viewing it as a lasting financial innovation rather than a passing trend.
Norway emerged as the most optimistic nation, with 73% of Norwegians expressing confidence in crypto’s longevity. This high level of belief may be linked to Norway’s strong digital infrastructure and population-wide familiarity with fintech solutions. On the other end of the spectrum, France showed the lowest optimism—only 55% of French respondents believe crypto will survive the next ten years. This cautious outlook could stem from stricter national regulatory stances and limited public education on blockchain use cases.
Mixed Confidence in Bitcoin’s Future
While general support for cryptocurrency remains relatively strong, faith in Bitcoin, the largest and most well-known digital asset, is more divided. On average, only 49% of Europeans surveyed believe Bitcoin will still be around in 2035.
France again showed the lowest confidence level—just 40% of respondents believe Bitcoin will endure. In contrast, Italy and Poland demonstrated the highest levels of trust, with 55% and 53% respectively expecting Bitcoin to remain relevant over the next decade.
This divergence suggests that while many Europeans accept the broader concept of decentralized money, they remain uncertain about Bitcoin’s specific role—especially as newer technologies and regulatory frameworks emerge.
Limited Perception of Bitcoin as an Investment Tool
One of the most striking findings from the survey is the narrow view of Bitcoin as a long-term financial instrument. Only 7% of Europeans, on average, believe that Bitcoin will function as both an investment vehicle and a securities asset within ten years.
This low percentage underscores a critical challenge for the crypto industry: despite rising awareness, there remains a significant gap in public understanding of Bitcoin’s potential beyond price volatility. Many still associate it primarily with speculation rather than utility in portfolios, remittances, or institutional finance.
For widespread adoption to occur, experts argue that clearer communication about Bitcoin’s underlying value—such as scarcity, decentralization, and resistance to inflation—is essential.
Regulatory Influence and National Differences
Public opinion on cryptocurrency is increasingly influenced by government policies and regulatory clarity. For instance, France has taken a proactive stance in shaping EU-wide crypto regulations. According to Reuters, French officials have been actively lobbying other EU member states to adopt regulatory standards similar to its own transparent licensing framework for crypto service providers.
This push reflects a broader European effort to balance innovation with consumer protection. The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, expected to be fully implemented by 2025, aims to create a harmonized legal environment for digital assets across member states. Such frameworks are likely to boost public trust by reducing fraud risks and increasing transparency.
Meanwhile, real-world adoption continues to expand. In April 2025, Corporate Traveller, one of the UK’s largest travel management companies, announced it would begin accepting Bitcoin payments for business travel services. This move signals growing corporate confidence in crypto as a viable transaction method—not just for tech startups but for established enterprises.
The Road Ahead: Education and Use Case Promotion
Andy Bryant, COO of bitFlyer Europe, commented on the survey results by emphasizing the need for better education around practical applications. He noted that “the reputation of cryptocurrency has moved beyond mere hype and is becoming more grounded.” However, he stressed that industry leaders must do more to showcase real-world benefits—such as faster cross-border transactions, financial inclusion for underbanked populations, and transparent supply chain tracking.
Bryant believes that disruptive innovators should focus on communicating these specific use cases so that people can understand how blockchain technology will integrate into daily life and societal systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What percentage of Europeans believe in cryptocurrency’s future?
On average, 63% of Europeans surveyed believe that cryptocurrency will still exist in some form within the next ten years.
Which European country is most optimistic about crypto?
Norway is the most optimistic, with 73% of respondents believing that digital currencies will endure.
Do people trust Bitcoin as much as other cryptocurrencies?
No. Only 49% of Europeans believe Bitcoin will still be relevant in ten years—lower than overall crypto sentiment—indicating skepticism about its long-term dominance.
Why is France less confident about cryptocurrency?
France shows lower confidence due to stricter regulatory attitudes and possibly limited public understanding of crypto use cases beyond speculation.
Is Bitcoin being used for real-world purchases in Europe?
Yes. Companies like Corporate Traveller in the UK now accept Bitcoin for business travel bookings, reflecting growing commercial adoption.
How can crypto gain wider acceptance in Europe?
Through improved education, transparent regulation like MiCA, and promotion of practical applications such as remittances, identity verification, and decentralized finance.
Final Thoughts
The bitFlyer study paints a nuanced picture of European attitudes toward cryptocurrency: hopeful yet cautious, curious but not fully convinced. While most believe digital assets are here to stay, significant work remains to build trust in their utility and stability.
As regulations mature and real-world use expands—from travel bookings to cross-border finance—the narrative around crypto is shifting from speculation to functionality. The key to unlocking broader adoption lies not just in technology or policy, but in clear communication that connects blockchain innovation to tangible benefits for individuals and businesses alike.
With continued progress in education, infrastructure, and institutional integration, Europe may soon become one of the world’s most balanced and forward-thinking regions in the global crypto landscape.