The joint EU/Council of Europe Project against Economic Crime (PECK III) organised a high-level conference to mark 14 years of support to counter corruption, money laundering and financing of terrorism (AC, AML/CFT).

The event brought together 100 participants representing line ministries, AML/CFT supervisors, law enforcement officials, judiciary, financial and non-financial sectors, designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) and civil society, EU office and international community representatives in Kosovo.

Participants were addressed by the Executive Secretary of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) and Deputy Ambassador of EU, whereas keynote speakers included acting Minister of Justice, Governor of Central Bank and representatives of Agency for Prevention of Corruption, Financial Intelligence Unit, Asset Recovery Office, Special Prosecutor, Tax Administration and representatives of key civil society organisations working in the anti-corruption and anti-money laundering areas.

Impact and results were the main denominator of the conference noting inter alia:

• Upgraded legislative framework in the area of AC and AML/CFT,

• Consolidated legal an operational framework on protection of whistleblowers,

• Enhanced effectiveness of criminal investigation and prosecution of money laundering cases through amendments to the Law on Special Prosecution Office,

• Introducing legislation on illicit enrichment,

• Establishing a regime on implementation of targeted financial sanctions,

• Upgrading the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism,

• Innovative technical assistance through the mentoring programme for police, judges and prosecutors to enhance their operational capacities and effectiveness of investigation, prosecution and adjudication of money laundering.

• Shifting from rule based to risk-based AML/CFT supervision for financial and non-financial sector and DNFBPs,

• Conducting risk assessments by using Council of Europe methodologies including Corruption Risk Mapping, risk assessment of non-profit organisations misuse for terrorist financing purposes and money laundering and terrorist financing National Risk Assessment.

The conference affirmed the joint role of the EU and Council of Europe as a strategic partner for Kosovo's institutions, paving the way for continued progress in fighting corruption and money laundering.

The activity was organised within the framework of the “Project against Economic Crime” (PECK III), jointly funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the latter.