Smart contracts and cryptocurrencies : a legal perspective the case of Greece as a member of the EU
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Keywords
Cryptocurrency ; Smart contracts ; Bitcoin ; Ethereum ; Blockchain ; Greek legal system ; Antitrust lawAbstract
This “dissertation aims to explore the field of cryptocurrencies and smart contracts mainly from a legal perspective. The developing regulatory framework and the challenges thereof is discussed, particularly in relation to Ethereum as compared to Bitcoin. The theoretical part of the dissertation examines basic definitions, outlines the profile and function of the cryptocurrency and blockchain environment, as well as addresses the fundamental legal issues arising from smart contracts. In the empirical part of the dissertation, the perplexing and sometimes, insufficient legal framework both in the EU and in Greece is be brought forward as a practical case study. The current legal and regulatory framework is nascent, presenting significant legal gaps regarding cryptocurrencies and smart contrast in theory and practice. However, there are indeed viable proposals for further research and application.