Speaking elements for Gianluca Esposito’s speech during the joint Third Plenary Meeting of FATF – XXXIV / 69th MONEYVAL Plenary
Welcome Ministers, Excellencies, FATF and MONEYVAL Chairs, distinguished guests, and colleagues to the joint FATF-MONEYVAL Plenary. Express appreciation for the participation of Members States, jurisdictions, observers, and external partners.
Warmly thank the FATF for its constant cooperation and partnership in organising this second joint plenary hosted by the Council of Europe. This support reinforces the close and productive relationship between the FATF, the Council of Europe, and MONEYVAL.
This joint plenary is a reflection of the deep institutional ties and mutual priorities shared by MONEYVAL, the FATF, and the Council of Europe. It also builds on the strong momentum generated by the FATF President’s address to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe last November.
Reiterate MONEYVAL’s full commitment to the implementation of the Strategic Vision for the Global Network, and its proactive initiatives to strengthen links between the FATF and the FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs).
The plenary offers a unique opportunity to highlight joint initiatives and projects, enhance coordination, and foster cross-institutional dialogue in the global fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, and the financing of proliferation.
Welcome the complementary efforts by other partners—the United Nations, the European Union, the IMF, the World Bank, the Egmont Group, and others—who are advancing our shared objectives through diverse but aligned initiatives.
Take pride in the fact that MONEYVAL was entrusted to carry out the first assessment in the new evaluation round and the excellent cooperation with the FATF during this evaluation. Note that the results and quality of assessments carried out by MONEYVAL reaffirm MONEYVAL’s standing as a top-tier global performer according to the internal FATF ranking.
Highlight that this Plenary is examining with a view to adoption Latvia’s mutual evaluation report. In this context, congratulate Latvia for volunteering to lead by example and for its constructive cooperation throughout the process.
Remind jurisdictions that effectiveness in implementing AML/CFT/CPF regimes is a key priority under MONEYVAL’s 2024-2027 Strategy, adopted by its ministers and high level officials in April 2023. However, a new round will also pay particular attention to the progress made vis-à-vis findings of the former round of mutual evaluations. Consequently, countries should not forget about the deficiencies that informed their mutual evaluation reports, a number of which show that substantial progress is still needed. Governmental and judicial authorities around the globe, independent agencies and the private sector worldwide must therefore continue to demonstrate sufficient and good faith efforts to improve their AML/CFT/CPF systems.
Emphasise that collaboration in strengthening the global AML/CFT/CPF framework extends beyond evaluations.
The cooperation between the FATF and MONEYVAL goes far beyond the evaluation process. Refer notably to the ongoing work to ensure a Consistent and Coherent Approach to EU Supranational Measures, which will provide much needed guidance for assessors on technical compliance elements that are impacted by directly applicable EU measures. This project complements MONEYVAL’s 2024 horizontal study on EU supranational measures, adopted in December 2024.
Underline other areas where the Council of Europe’s goals and the Global Network’s priorities align, such as the need to improve criminal asset recovery (ongoing negotiation of an Additional Protocol to the Warsaw Convention (CETS No.198)), international judicial cooperation (3rd Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters), address new risks (AI, AML/CFT risks in relation to virtual assets)
Recall that it is also essential to safeguard the operating space for civil society—ensuring it remains open, protected, and effective across member states—while remaining vigilant against the misapplication of AML/CFT standards that may unintentionally restrict or undermine the legitimate work of non-profit organisations.
Emphasise synergies with other Council of Europe workstreams such as those in the areas of anti-corruption, the fight against cybercrime, counter terrorism and its financing, action against smuggling and trafficking of human beings, action against manipulation in sports competition, AI and others.
Conclude by thanking all the participants for their commitment to these complex and important issues, and wishing everyone a very productive and successful Plenary.
