03 February 2016

European Commission: Action Plan for strengthening the fight against terrorist financing

Two main strands of action have been identified:

• How to further detect and prevent terrorist organisations and their backers to move funds and other assets; and to ensure that financial movements can wherever possible help law enforcement to trace terrorists and stop them from committing crimes;
• How to further disrupt the sources of revenue of terrorist organisations, by targeting their capacity to raise funds in the first place.

To be effective, the targets of action need to go beyond terrorist organisations as such. It needs to include affiliates, such as foreign terrorist fighters, financial backers and fundraisers, and anyone who knowingly helps terrorist activities. It also requires action both inside the EU and in external relations: drawing on the work of the FATF is of particular importance.

The fight against the financing of terrorism is crucial for the security of citizens. But further steps to close off the options for terrorist financing may also touch on the lives and the economic activity of citizens and companies throughout the Union. In line with better regulation principles, the Commission will undertake impact assessments to prepare the legislative actions identified in this action plan. The Commission will take into account the balance between the need to increase security and the need to protect fundamental rights, including data protection, and economic freedoms. 

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