Parliamentary questions
Question for written answer E-001277/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Lídia Pereira (PPE), José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), Maria da Graça Carvalho (PPE)
Subject: Incomplete transposition of anti-money-laundering directives by Portugal
Money laundering is a serious and complex crime, which is associated with various types of organised crime. While it serves the purpose of legitimising funds obtained through illegal practices, it also allows money to be channelled into the financing of criminal and terrorist organisations. In a context of globalised financial markets, close international cooperation is required. In the European Union, such cooperation is particularly relevant and is based on a series of directives, the full and effective transposition of which is essential.
Portugal was recently notified by the European Commission that the 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive had not been transposed correctly(1). In addition, the same Member State is subject to infringement proceedings for incorrect transposition of the 5th Directive(2). Of particular concern are the deficiencies relating to the functioning of Financial Intelligence Units and the policies for their cooperation and the central beneficial ownership register.
The following questions arise in this connection:
1. What guarantees has the Commission received from the Portuguese Government regarding the proper transposition of the 4th and 5th Directives?
2. In view of the incorrect transposition by several Member States and of the infringement procedures, is the Commission considering a legislative proposal for a regulation to combat money laundering?
Supporter(3)
(1) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_21_441
(2) https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/anti-money-laundering-directive-5-transposition-status_en
(3) This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar (PPE)
Original language of question: PT