As part of Council of Europe’s efforts aimed at strengthening capacities of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), this international conference represents a significant inter-regional initiative related to four programmes in two regions: South East Europe (SEE) and Eastern Partnership (EaP). The Conference will be addressing transparency of beneficial ownership and related issues of misuse of legal entities and arrangements. Moreover, it is expected to provide a road map for compliance with international standards and the required transparency of beneficial ownership information.

The international conference on “Transparency of Beneficial Ownership” represents one step forward in developing a common understanding of the European and international standards, comparative practices related to transparency of beneficial ownership, and the required future steps through due diligence and registry policy solutions.

Expected outcome:

1. Increased awareness of senior policy makers on international and European standards regarding transparency on beneficial ownership;
2. Shared practices and practical information when introducing compliance and registries legislation; and international cooperation on these matters;
3. Map out next steps for developing and implementing transparency of beneficial ownership solutions in South East Europe (SEE) and Eastern Partnership (EaP) regions.

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*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.}