EU List of High-Risk Third Countries (June 2025)
The EU List of High-Risk Third Countries identifies non-EU jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) regimes. These countries pose significant threats to the integrity of the EU’s financial system and are therefore subject to enhanced due diligence obligations under the EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD).
The list is regularly updated by the European Commission, based on:
- FATF “Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring”
- Mutual evaluations and technical compliance assessments
- Structured dialogues with the countries concerned
Latest Update: June 2025
On 10 June 2025, the European Commission adopted a new Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675. The update reflects recent changes to the FATF grey list and adds or removes countries based on their AML/CFT progress.
Newly Added to the EU List (2025)
The following ten countries were added to the EU’s high-risk list due to ongoing AML/CFT deficiencies and active FATF action plans:
- Algeria
- Angola
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Kenya
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Monaco
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Venezuela
These jurisdictions have each made high-level political commitments to address the deficiencies and are under close FATF monitoring.
Removed from the EU List (2025)
The following countries were removed from the EU list after successful implementation of FATF action plans and demonstration of effective AML/CFT controls:
- Barbados
- Gibraltar
- Jamaica
- Panama
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Uganda
- United Arab Emirates
Their removal means that enhanced due diligence no longer applies to transactions or business relationships involving these countries.
What Does Listing Mean for Financial Institutions?
If a country appears on the EU list, obliged entities (such as banks, financial institutions, auditors, and law firms) must:
- Apply enhanced customer due diligence (CDD) as required under Article 18a of Directive (EU) 2015/849
- Monitor transactions more closely
- Assess source of funds and beneficial ownership
- Consider risk-based restrictions or termination of high-risk business relationships
Institutions operating in or with these countries must update their risk assessments, compliance procedures, and internal controls accordingly.
Legal Basis
The EU list is based on:
- Directive (EU) 2015/849 (4th AML Directive)
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 and its subsequent amendments
- The European Commission’s methodology for identifying high-risk third countries
Sources:
https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=C(2025)3815&lang=en