In response to the terror attacks in Paris and Brussels as well as to the Panama Papers revelations, the European Commission presented its proposals to update EU rules on anti-money laundering and terrorist financing. The proposals will now be discussed in the European Parliament and Council, before these co-legislators will work on finding a compromise text. The Committee for Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) will also be involved in the revision of the directive.
As shadow rapporteur of the Greens, I am interested in comments from and insights of professionals and stakeholders. For me it is of upmost importance how we can best reduce the lack of effective implementation of anti-money laundering legislation. During the legislative process, the European Parliament can also make amendments which go far beyond the Commission’s proposals.
The Commission suggests a truly public register of beneficial information for all companies and commercial trusts. Additionally, the Commission is proposing to expand the existing information exchange between national authorities on beneficial ownership. These measures would enable proper scrutiny and help expose those behind shell companies and other opaque company structures. Are the proposals sufficient to identify beneficial owners and to fight money laundering and tax avoidance more effectively? Which proposals do you have to address the considerable lack of enforcement of anti-money-laundering legislation?
The Commission’s proposal is available here:
http://ec.europa.eu/justice/criminal/document/files/aml-directive_en.pdf
We would be glad to receive your input by 26 August 2016.