The Ministers of Justice of the member States of the Council of Europe, meeting in Strasbourg on 16 June 2026, under the Monegasque Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, have reaffirmed their determination to step up efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, which are seen as major threats to democratic security, the rule of law and the integrity of economic and financial systems. 

A central feature of the conference was the plenary session “Detect, acting early: turning financial information into a judicial action tool,” moderated by the MONEYVAL Chair, Mr Nicola MUCCIOLI. The session brought together participants to examine the central role of financial intelligence units in the criminal justice chain for preventing and combating money laundering, particularly regarding the detection and reporting of suspicious transactions, as well as their links, methods of co operation and co ordination with judicial authorities in various countries.  Mechanisms for monitoring and controlling financial flows were also discussed, as well as the procedures for dissemination and sharing of information between the various competent authorities.

The high-level declaration presented on this occasion sets out a series of measures to strengthen the effectiveness of criminal-justice action, enhance the identification, seizure, confiscation and recovery of criminal assets, and adapt to new forms of financial crime.

It calls for a reinforced criminal-justice response, greater cooperation, specialised training for authorities, and comprehensive national strategies involving all relevant public and private entities. The declaration also stresses that all measures must remain in line with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Finally, ministers called for the effective implementation of Council of Europe conventions related to criminal cooperation, anti-money laundering, asset confiscation, corruption, and cybercrime, and encouraged broader accession to these instruments.