Back Western Balkans and Turkey to discuss implementation of international restrictive measures

Western Balkans and Turkey to discuss implementation of international restrictive measures

Representatives from seven jurisdictions of the Western Balkans and Turkey met in Skopje on 29-30 January 2019 to discuss “Effective implementation of targeted Financial Sanctions”. The first day of the Regional Workshop focused on requirements set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Standards, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions, and European Union (EU) sanctioning regimes and their meaning for jurisdictions represented at the Workshop. Discussions included elements of the sanctioning system that each jurisdiction needs to have, as well as on developing improvements to current practices and processes already in place. On the second day, the main theme was on the practical aspects of freezing assets and enhancing national coordination mechanisms. Representatives of the participating jurisdictions were keen in learning the steps that would need to be taken to effectuate the sanction in each case, and at the same time ensure that the rights of individuals affected by any freezing measures are respected. The discussions led to mapping out next steps for individual countries and the region, as well as the possibilities for cross-border cooperation in this respect.

The event was organised thanks to the EU/CoE Horizontal Facility Action against Economic Crime and the EU/CoE Project against Economic Crime in Kosovo* (PECK II).

Skopje 29 -30 January 2019
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Action summary

The Action against Economic Crime in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” (AEC-FYROM) will aim to improve implementation of key and recent recommendations of the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) and Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL), and to further strengthen institutional capacities to counter and prevent corruption; money laundering; and the financing of terrorism in accordance with European standards. The action will focus on supporting the authorities in several directions including: support for the strengthening of legislation and regulatory frameworks; institutional capacity building; support enhanced inter-agency and international co-operation.

This Action is part of the Council of Europe/European Union Horizontal Facility for Western Balkans and Turkey.

Overall objective

The overall aim of this programme is to contribute to democracy and the rule of law through prevention and control of economic crimes in accordance with European and other international standards.

The Action specific objectives are:

  • The regulatory framework and guidance for whistle-blower protection and reporting is reviewed and implemented
  • Improved legislation and adoption of anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing (AML/CFT) national strategy
  • Capacity building for the Financial Intelligence Office (FIO)
  • Strengthen the capacities of the judiciary, prosecution and law enforcement agencies to fight ML and TF
  • Improved AML/CFT preventive system
  • Enhanced international cooperation capacities for law enforcement, FIO and supervisors

 Expected results:

  • The regulatory framework and guidance for whistleblower protection and reporting is reviewed and implemented, and capacities of authorities and NGOs to monitor its implementation are enhanced
  • The AML/CFT system is reinforced through improved legal and regulatory framework
  • The AML/CFT Strategy observing the new international standard is adopted
  • Legal powers, analytical and technical capacities of the Financial Intelligence Office (FIO) are improved
  • Capacity of the judiciary, prosecution and law enforcement agencies to fight money laundering and terrorism financing are strengthened
  • The AML/CFT supervisory and regulatory framework (preventative measures) is reinforced
  • The AML/CFT supervisory skills of the designated supervisors are increased
  • Beneficial ownership related preventive measures and transparency of legal persons are enhanced
  • International cooperation capacities of law enforcement, FIO and supervisors are enhanced

This webpage has been produced using funds of a joint project between the European Union and the Council of Europe.  The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.

Project at a glance
  • Duration: 24 May 2016 – 23 May 2019
  • Beneficiaries/Partners: The Financial Investigation Unit, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, State Audit Office
  • Funding: The European Union and the Council of Europe
  • Budget: 1,350,000 EUR
PROJECT contacts

 Ilina GAREVSKA, Senior Project Officer

 Mustafa FERATI, Head of Unit, Action against Crime Department