EU surprises by removing Russia from high-risk list!

EU surprises by removing Russia from high-risk list!

On June 17, 2025, the European Union (EU) came as a surprise to remove Russia from the list of high-risk countries for financial crime. The move has puzzled both experts and MEPs, as there is ample evidence of Russia's involvement in financial crime. Loud fr.de The EU Commission was also unable to include the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in its updated list to combat financial crime.

EU Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque underlines that the list drawn up follows international standards, in particular those of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a body of 39 states dedicated to combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Countries can be placed either on the “black list” for high-risk countries or on the “gray list”, which is a category for states with deficiencies but which have already taken measures.

International standards and requirements

A spokeswoman for the Brussels authority explains that the EU needs “robust evidence” to change the current classification. This raises questions, particularly given that it was suggested a few weeks ago that Russia could be placed on the gray list. Experts are already questioning Russia's role in the global fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. The Kremlin's connection to blacklisted countries such as North Korea and Iran reinforces these concerns.

What is particularly explosive is that Russia has removed the Taliban from the list of terrorist organizations and supports private mercenary groups such as the Wagner Group. Additional allegations also allege that Russia is conducting sabotage and subversion campaigns against the EU and the USA. These points are critical for MEPs and the pressure on the Commission is growing.

Debate and demands in the EU Parliament

The UAE is also in focus as it is accused of helping Russia evade Western sanctions. The UAE is storing and processing oil shipments from Russia, raising questions about its role in international financial crime. A recently revealed data leak also shows that many criminals are based in Dubai, suggesting opaque tax regulations. In April, the UAE signed declarations of intent to improve anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing, but it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be.

In the context of current developments, the EU Parliament is demanding a detailed justification for removing Russia and the UAE from the high-risk list. The debate on the issue is due this week and MPs have two months to consider the possibility of rejecting the revised list.