On 10 June 2025, the European Commission adopted a Delegated Regulation updating the EU list of high‑risk third countries, identifying jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) frameworks.
This update reflects the latest developments from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and aligns the EU’s approach with evolving global AML/CFT standards, strengthening international fight against financial crime.
Entities subject to EU AML Directive are required to apply enhanced due diligence measures when engaging in financial transactions or business relationships involving newly listed high-risk third countries.
Countries added to the EU High-Risk List
The updated list of high-risk third countries include ten jurisdictions: Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal, and Venezuela.
These jurisdictions are now viewed as presenting significant risk and are subject to stricter AML compliance requirements requiring closer scrutiny in financial dealings with EU-based entities.
Countries removed from EU High-Risk List
Eight countries have been removed from the EU high-risk list, having made significant progress in strengthening their AML/CFT frameworks:
Barbados, Gibraltar, Jamaica, Panama, Philippines, Senegal, Uganda, and the United Arab Emirates.
Their removal reflects progress made in addressing previously identified regulatory gaps and aligning with FATF recommendations.
Implementation Timeline and Next Steps
The revised list of high-risk countries will take effect after a one-month scrutiny period by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. In the absence of objections, the Delegated Regulation will become legally binding and enforceable across all EU member states.
For full details, access the official announcement here
