Marcello Coppo Discusses Italy’s Bitcoin Reserve Ambitions, Crypto Tax, and More

At NapulETH 2025, held in Naples from July 17–19, Italian lawmaker Marcello Coppo joined industry experts to discuss the regulatory future of digital assets in Italy. 

In a conversation with BeInCrypto, the Member of Parliament from Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy) shared his views on crypto taxation, the idea of a national Bitcoin reserve, and what mass adoption might look like in one of Europe’s most mature crypto markets.

From Crypto Skepticism to Strategic Policy

Coppo is not just a politician—he’s a lawyer with a long record of advocating for legal clarity and political leadership in complex regulatory matters. 

As a member of the parliamentary “Public and Private Work Commission,” his work focuses on protecting citizens’ interests in fast-evolving sectors—crypto included.

One of his most visible efforts was pushing back against aggressive tax proposals on crypto gains.

Fighting Back Against Excessive Crypto Taxation

BeInCrypto: One of the Meloni government’s first major steps was to introduce a tax framework for crypto. What motivated that decision?

Marcello Coppo: We believe every part of the economy deserves clear rules. Crypto is no exception. Our goal is to create a structured environment that encourages legitimate projects and generates value for the country.

BeInCrypto: The law treats crypto as an investment asset but applies capital gains taxes. Is that a fair compromise?

Coppo: I was one of the key voices pushing the tax rate down to 26%. Originally, the proposal aimed for 42%. 

Unfortunately, there’s an additional 33% rate scheduled to come into effect in 2026, which I strongly oppose. I’ve submitted a formal motion in Parliament, and the government has accepted it. 

While I can’t guarantee an outcome yet, I’m working to either equalize crypto taxation with other capital gains—or at the very least, delay this increase.

The upcoming budget law will start in the Senate, so I won’t be directly involved in that phase. 

However, there’s a legislative window at the end of the year—the “Milleproroghe”—which begins in the Chamber of Deputies. That’s when I plan to intervene if needed.

Should Italy Adopt a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve?

BeInCrypto: There’s growing discussion in the US about holding Bitcoin as part of national reserves. Could Italy consider something similar?

Coppo: Even if it’s not a current priority, I believe it’s inevitable that the topic will come up. Italy holds one of the largest gold reserves globally, but that doesn’t mean we can’t diversify.

We face practical hurdles first. There’s no budget classification for seized or confiscated crypto assets. 

Today, crypto seized in legal investigations is scattered across various jurisdictions, with no centralized oversight or accounting. 

The government hasn’t commercialized these assets yet, but if Bitcoin is treated as part of a diversified strategy, we need a way to track and evaluate it.

Eventually, we’ll need to decide. Should we liquidate these assets or retain them as part of the state’s patrimony? 

The term “strategic reserve” sounds impressive, but technically, these assets already fall under the umbrella of state property—just like state-owned buildings. 

Some real estate has declined in value over time; Bitcoin might offer better upside in the long term.

Pushing Toward Mass Adoption

Despite a recent Gemini report naming Italy one of Europe’s most mature crypto markets, Coppo sees a long road ahead for public understanding and political acceptance.

BeInCrypto: Cryptocurrencies still face skepticism in politics. Do you think they’ll ever be seen as a core part of the financial system?

Coppo: We need to make distinctions. Bitcoin is serious—it has staying power. Then there are altcoins, which have potential. And then there’s what I’d call “junk coins”—those should be avoided entirely.

When I talk about crypto-assets, I mean the credible ones. But let’s be honest. If I go to a supermarket and ask someone—let’s say Mrs. Maria—what she knows about crypto, chances are the answer will be “not much.” That tells us adoption is still low.

The real challenge now is mass education and broader adoption. That’s where our focus should be.