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Anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism at international level

The fight against financial crime, including anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), is crucial for maintaining financial stability and security in Europe. It also ensures the integrity of financial markets. Effective AML/CFT measures protect the financial system from misuse, support economic stability, and uphold the trust and safety of financial transactions across the EU. These efforts are essential for preventing illegal activities and safeguarding the overall financial ecosystem.
The European Commission is tasked with identifying high-risk third countries that have strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes. This effort is crucial to safeguarding the EU’s financial system and ensuring the proper functioning of its internal market.

What the EU is Doing and Why

To combat the global flow of illicit money, the EU collaborates with international partners, particularly through the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which sets global standards for AML/CFT. The FATF identifies jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT frameworks, and the EU incorporates these recommendations into its own listings.

The identification of high-risk third countries by the EU is essential for protecting the Union’s financial system from external threats. Under the 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (EU) 2024/1640, financial institutions and other gatekeepers must apply enhanced checks and control measures to business relationships and transactions involving these high-risk countries.

Latest Version of the List of High-Risk Third Countries

In 2024, the European Commission adopted a new Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/163 updating the list of third countries identified as having strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT regimes. This regulation amends the earlier Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/163 of 12 December 2023.

The current list of high-risk third countries includes:
Relevant Legislation and Related Links


These international efforts, led by the EU in collaboration with global partners, are essential in addressing the challenges posed by money laundering and the financing of terrorism on a global scale.