Christian Grafenauer
Description of Activities
With this fellowship, I significantly contribute to the ICT Standards landscape by addressing the lack of standardised guidelines for processing Personal Identifiable Information (PII) in blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) systems. Approving the New Work Item Proposal (NWIP) for “Guidelines on processing PII using blockchain and DLT” establishes a crucial foundation for privacy-preserving, GDPR-compliant blockchain applications.
By leading the creation of CEN/CENELEC JTC19 WG3, I am ensuring the development of a harmonised European approach to blockchain privacy, reducing fragmentation and fostering interoperability. These efforts align blockchain implementations with European regulations, consumer protection laws, and data governance principles.
Fellow's country
Open Call Topics
Impact on SMEs (7th Open Call)
Yes, my contribution significantly impacts European SMEs by providing clear, practical guidance on how to process personal data using blockchain and DLT in compliance with the GDPR. SMEs often lack the legal and technical resources to navigate complex regulatory frameworks. The standard developed through CEN/CENELEC JTC 19 WG3 will offer accessible best practices, reducing legal uncertainty and lowering barriers to innovation. This enables SMEs to adopt blockchain solutions more confidently, competitively, and responsibly within the European market.
Impact on SMEs (9th Open Call)
For SMEs, a harmonised digital currency vocabulary reduces compliance costs and uncertainty when navigating regulations like MiCA and DORA. It lowers barriers to entry by providing a shared reference for financial, legal, and technical terms, enabling smaller companies and fintechs to innovate confidently and scale solutions across the Digital Single Market.
Impact on society (7th Open Call)
My work directly supports the protection of fundamental rights, especially privacy and data protection, in the context of emerging blockchain and DLT technologies. By initiating the standard on Guidelines on processing PII using blockchain and DLT, I contribute to reducing legal uncertainty, enabling safer adoption of these technologies. This empowers citizens by ensuring their personal data is handled responsibly and in compliance with GDPR, while fostering trust and transparency in digital systems. Ultimately, this promotes responsible innovation and strengthens democratic values in the digital age.
Impact on society (9th Open Call)
By developing a harmonised vocabulary for digital currencies, it strengthens legal certainty and consumer protection, allowing citizens and businesses to engage confidently with technologies such as CBDCs, stablecoins, and tokenised assets. Clear definitions reduce misunderstanding and misinformation, supporting informed participation in digital markets.
It also enhances trust in digital public infrastructures by enabling regulators, financial institutions, and public administrations to use a shared language. This improves transparency in policymaking and aligns digital finance with Europe’s values of privacy, fairness, and accountability.
Finally, today’s Web3 ecosystem and traditional financial system speak fundamentally different languages, limiting cooperation and interoperability. This project builds the common language needed for both ecosystems to grow together and operate seamlessly, fostering a unified, transparent, and future-ready European digital economy.
It also enhances trust in digital public infrastructures by enabling regulators, financial institutions, and public administrations to use a shared language. This improves transparency in policymaking and aligns digital finance with Europe’s values of privacy, fairness, and accountability.
Finally, today’s Web3 ecosystem and traditional financial system speak fundamentally different languages, limiting cooperation and interoperability. This project builds the common language needed for both ecosystems to grow together and operate seamlessly, fostering a unified, transparent, and future-ready European digital economy.
Linkedin Profile
Organization
Consumer Representative, DIN Verbraucherrat e.V.
Portrait Picture
Proposal Title (7th Open Call)
Project Leader - Guidelines on processing PII using blockchain and distributed ledger technology
Proposal Title (9th Open Call)
Project Leader for "Digital Currencies - Vocabulary" in ISO TC68
Standards Development Organisation
StandICT.eu Year
2026
Year
Topic (7th Open Call)
Topic (9th Open Call)
