Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has been granted Montenegrin citizenship to help the crypto-friendly country develop its blockchain sector.

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Yesterday, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapi and Minister of Finance Milojko Spaji, the Russian-born Canadian programmer and blockchain expert received his Montenegrin passport. A statement from his department noted:

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“Minister of the Interior Sergej Sekulović, recognizing the importance of this initiative, made the decision to admit Vitalik Buterin to Montenegrin citizenship at the proposal of the prime minister, and today he was handed a Montenegrin passport.”

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Buterin will join other members of the crypto community invited to Montenegro to promote the Southeast European nation’s efforts to become a blockchain innovation hub, allowing for new, high-paying jobs to be created in the industry.

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On April 7, Minister Spaji hosted the Ethereum co-founder at the “Future Now! A new era of Montenegrin finances,” panel discussion in Montenegro. Buterin, Ethereum researcher Vlad Zamfir, University of Memphis Professor of Law Boris Mamlyk, and Minister Spaji  discussed the legality of blockchain identity, smart contracts in government, and other topics.

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While speaking on the panel, Buterin noted that Montenegro will need a strong legislative foundation as well as the ability to educate the next generation so that its citizens can benefit from the technologies associated with digital assets.⠀⠀

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