As expected, on Thursday7 March, the EU Council acknowledged its decision to reject the list of 23 third countries with anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing mechanisms that pose a threat to the European financial system (see EUROPE 12193/28).
In a statement issued on the same day, the Commission lamented the rejection of the list and that the decision was taken without discussion at the ministerial level. “I am disappointed by the decision, but I hope I don't look like somebody who has given up. I have not at all, because we need to do everything to fight money laundering”, said the EU Commissioner for Justice, Věra Jourová, on her arrival at the meeting of European Home Affairs Ministers.
At a press conference, Romanian Interior Minister Carmen Dan affirmed that the EU Council's criticism is limited to the process’s lack of transparency and not to the politically sensitive inclusion of certain countries on the list, such as Saudi Arabia and Panama. In doing so, she confirmed that Member States will maintain a "constructive dialogue" with the Commission for the next steps.
The Commission must now review its copy and present a new list that is acceptable to both the EU Council and the European Parliament. The Parliament, which supports the current list (see EUROPE 12208/11), will debate this subject in plenary session next week. (Original version in French by Marion Fontana with Camille-Cerise Gessant)