Binance Withdraws Greece MiCA Application, Reboots EU Licensing Push

Binance has withdrawn its MiCA license application submitted to Greece's Securities Market Commission on June 24, stating it will pursue authorization in other European Union member states. The Wall Street Journal reported that Greek authorities had indicated to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in early June they were inclined to approve Binance's application, but also cited reports that Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), requested Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis not to approve the license. The ECB has no authority to issue MiCA licenses directly; such authority rests with individual member states' regulatory bodies. Neither Lagarde nor the ECB or Greece's securities regulator confirmed or denied any involvement in the matter. Binance declined to comment on speculation but reiterated its commitment to long-term operations under the MiCA framework within the EU.