The new list of 23 third countries with deficient anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing arrangements threatening the European financial system, which was unveiled by the Commission on 13 February last (see EUROPE 12193), does not please all Member States.
The EU Council has until 13 March - with the possibility of extension - to oppose the delegated regulation. On Thursday 28 February, several Member States - including France - broke the silence procedure opposing the list, according to several sources.
The objection would have been “very broad”, much more than a blocking minority, and would even have a majority, a diplomatic source told EUROPE.
Some of those resistant are concerned about the impact this decision could have on their economic relations with countries such as Saudi Arabia, which has been added to the list.
But, according to the same source, it is above all the Commission's new method that is controversial. This results in a different list from the one drawn up by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which has so far been taken up by the EU.
Asked about a possible blockage by the Council, the European Commissioner for Justice, Věra Jourová, said when the list was presented that she did not expect it to have a reinforced qualified majority for this purpose, which requires 72% of Member States representing at least 65% of the EU's population.
On Wednesday, another European source also believed that, even if Member States will not accept the list “without fighting” and will certainly push for further discussions, they should eventually adopt it. (Original version in French by Marion Fontana)