Adapting to the restrictions on travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Economic Crime and Cooperation Division (ECCD) initiated an innovative virtual assessment process with three EU countries in late September 2020.

The 4th AMLD assessment process includes desk-based reviews followed by a week-long on-site visit in each Member State to complement the analysis and confirm the findings. Full 4th AMLD reviews have already been conducted in five Member States prior and during the Covid-19 period. Thanks to the flexibility shown by national authorities and assessors, the process continues via virtual meetings.

These meetings based on video conferencing technology will enable each assessment team to engage with competent public authorities and representatives from private sector institutions over the course of several days. The activities via the video platforms are carefully managed to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the discussions and to also ensure that the virtual process contributes to a consistent and objective analysis of the application of the 4th AMLD regardless of the technical format.