FIN.

MEPs divided on ML high risk list

The Economics and Home Affairs Committees in the EP have voted through additions to the Commission’s MLD4 blacklist of high risk jurisdictions by the narrowest of margins.  The proposal was to include Tunisia, Sri Lanka and Trinidad and Tobago in the list.

The debate was over the inclusion of Tunisia. Many MEPs expressed incomprehension that it be put in the same bucket as countries like Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen. Others queried why it was proposed for the list when countries like Libya were not. The shadow rapporteur acknowledged the strategic importance of Tunisia but said everyone has to live up to their commitments to fight money laundering and terrorist financing. The Commission said Tunisia would be reassessed as soon as possible, and swiftly removed if it was found to be implementing its high level commitments.

All three jurisdictions protested against the proposals.  One MEP suggested it would be better to vote on countries individually in future.

Emma Radmore