Poland’s lower house approved a sanctions bill that lets authorities freeze bank accounts and cryptocurrency assets without a court order, pending Senate and presidential approval.
On November 6, the Polish lower house of parliament (Sejm) voted 240‑202 to adopt a sanctions bill that authorises the government to freeze bank accounts, cryptocurrency holdings and other property through administrative decisions, without first obtaining a court order. The proposal, known as the Act on Restrictive Measures, now moves to the Senate and requires the signature of President Karol Nawrocki before it can become law.
The legislation creates a national sanctions list managed by the interior minister, targeting individuals and organisations deemed threats to Poland’s security or involved in foreign‑information interference. Once listed, the minister may order the freezing of financial assets, including crypto holdings, restrict access to economic resources, bar entities from public procurement and impose entry bans. While banks and regulated crypto exchanges would be compelled to comply with freeze orders, self‑custodied wallets would only be affected if authorities can identify the assets and enforce restrictions on transactions.
Opposition lawmakers and legal NGOs have criticised the bill for bypassing judicial oversight and potentially infringing on property rights and freedom of expression. Ordo Iuris, a Polish legal organization, argued the measure exceeds EU requirements and could undermine constitutional protections. Lawmaker Roman Fritz condemned the vote, calling it “totalitarian.” The bill also raises concerns about vague definitions of “information manipulation” that could impact media and public discourse.
The asset‑freeze bill follows previous clashes between the government and President Nawrocki over cryptocurrency regulation. Earlier in the year, the Sejm failed to override Nawrocki’s veto of a separate MiCA‑implementation bill, citing excessive supervisory demands on crypto firms. The current proposal operates alongside existing EU sanctions rules, which already cover crypto assets, and is separate from the EU’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets Regulation (MiCA). The legislation now proceeds to the Senate, where further debate is expected before it reaches President Nawrocki for final approval.
Key developments to monitor include the Senate’s deliberation on the bill, any amendments that could address opposition concerns, and President Nawrocki’s decision on whether to sign the law. International observers will also be watching how the measure aligns with EU sanctions frameworks and its potential impact on Poland’s crypto industry and broader financial sector.
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