The Juncker Commission has made the fight against tax avoidance, money laundering and terrorism financing one of its priorities. Today, the Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive enters into force.
It strengthens the existing rules and will make the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing more effective. It also improves transparency to prevent tax avoidance. This entry into force comes as discussions with the European Parliament and the Council on extra measures further reinforcing the Directive are already at an advanced stage.
Frans Timmermans, European Commission First Vice-President said: “Laundered money is oxygen to crime, terrorism and tax-avoidance. We need to cut off its supply as best we can. Today’s stronger rules are a big step forward but we now need quick agreement on the further improvements the Commission proposed last July.”
Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality added: “Terrorists and criminals still find ways to finance their activities and to launder illicit gains back into the economy. The new rules as of today are crucial to closing further loopholes. I urge all Member States to put them in place without delay: lower standards in one country will weaken the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing across the EU.”
Today the Commission also publishes a report which will support Member State authorities in better addressing money laundering risks in practice. It identifies the areas most at risk and the most widespread techniques used by criminals to launder illicit funds. A full press release is available here.
