In this episode, we sit down with Jose Manuel, digital identity and blockchain lead at the European Commission’s Digital Services Directorate, where he guides the evolution of the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI). From his roots in Spain to his role at the epicenter of one of the world’s most ambitious digital trust projects, Jose shares how culture, history, and policy shape Europe’s unique approach to trust.

The conversation explores how EBSI’s public–permissioned blockchain is bridging trust between member states, why Europe’s cultural lenses, from Estonia’s digital-first mindset to Germany’s caution on centralized data, matter for infrastructure design, and how real-world use cases like verifiable diplomas, supply chain traceability, and organizational credentials are redefining cross-border services. We also dive into the balance between privacy and digitization, the role of decentralization in EU policy, and the future impact on both companies and citizens.

If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review.