The short version: since 1 July 2026, an in-scope provider generally needs Article 63 authorisation or an eligible Article 60 notification route. Binance applied in Greece, withdrew the application days before the deadline, and announced restrictions for affected users in several EU markets. The company made that decision during a regulatory wind-down. The 2026 record contains no EU-wide MiCA ban order. Binance has no current entry in the ESMA CASP snapshot dated 20 August 2026. Belgium’s 2023 national order was a separate event.
The timeline
- January 2026Binance applies for a MiCA licence in GreeceBinance files its CASP application with Greece’s securities regulator, the HCMC, via a newly formed Greek entity. By April the application is reported complete, with a decision expected in early summer.
- 24 June 2026Binance withdraws the applicationA week before the deadline, Binance announces its withdrawal of the Greek application before any formal decision. Binance cites “status and timeline” and says it will pursue authorisation in another EU member state. The Financial Times reported the HCMC had been preparing to refuse over anti-money-laundering controls and fit-and-proper concerns about founder Changpeng Zhao. Binance’s Europe head called the compliance allegations “categorically false.”
- 1 July 2026Restrictions begin in affected EU marketsThe last MiCA transitional window closes (ESMA confirmed no extension). From this date, Binance halts new sign-ups, deposits, new spot orders and Earn products for users covered by its notice. Withdrawals and outbound transfers remain open.
- Since thenNext Member State not announcedBinance tells affected users their assets “remain safe and accessible” and that it expects to secure a MiCA licence “in the coming months.” As of 2 September 2026, Binance had not announced the next Member State. The ESMA snapshot dated 20 August 2026contains no current Binance MiCA entry.
Available and suspended account functions
| For users covered by the notice | Status |
|---|---|
| Withdrawals and transfers out | Open |
| Convert (sell direction) | Open for wind-down |
| Deposits | Halted |
| New spot orders | Halted |
| New sign-ups / onboarding | Halted |
| Earn, staking, Launchpool | Halted |
Binance sent account-specific timelines to users, so check the notice for your account. Before you use another venue, confirm its EEA entity, product access and country availability. Compare licensed alternatives and review the register facts for Binance on its detail page.
The legal outcome
The 2026 record shows a withdrawn application and service restrictions in affected EU markets. It contains no EU-wide MiCA ban order or formal refusal. After 1 July 2026, an in-scope provider generally needs Article 63 authorisation. Eligible financial entities can use the Article 60 notification route. Binance had no current entry under either route and restricted the regulated services described in its notices. MiCA regulates providers. The cited provider rules do not prohibit account holders from keeping an account or using the withdrawal functions in Binance’s notice.
Common questions
Is Binance banned in Europe?
The cited 2026 record contains no EU-wide MiCA ban order. Binance withdrew its Greek MiCA application on 24 June 2026 before a formal decision. It then announced service restrictions for affected users in several EU markets from 1 July 2026. Belgium’s FSMA had issued a separate national cease-services order in 2023.
Can I still withdraw my funds from Binance?
For accounts covered by Binance’s wind-down notice, withdrawals and outbound transfers remain open. Convert works in the sell direction. The notice stops deposits, new spot orders, new sign-ups and Earn products for the affected users.
Is it illegal for me to keep a Binance account?
The cited MiCA provider rules do not prohibit account holders from keeping an account. MiCA regulates the provider. Other laws and product rules can apply. Check any separate permissions and the notice for your account.
When will Binance come back to the EU?
The return date is unknown. Binance says it will seek authorisation in another EU Member State. It has not announced the state. Users must wait for a current entry in the ESMA register.
Sources: Binance announcement (24 Jun 2026), CoinDesk on the withdrawal, CoinDesk on the restrictions, CoinDesk (3 Jul), Euronews, Belgian FSMA order (23 Jun 2023), ESMA public statement (23 Jun 2026). Financial Times reporting is attributed in the timeline. This page provides general information and does not provide legal or financial advice.