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Regulatory Alert: AML Awareness: EU Adds Russia to “High-Risk Third Countries” List

  • Elena Niki Karletidi
  • Dec 4
  • 1 min read

Source: European Commission Press Release IP/25/2910

Date: 03 December 2025


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On 3 December 2025, the European Commission (the “Commission”) officially added Russia to its list of “high-risk third countries with strategic deficiencies” in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) frameworks.


The addition follows a technical assessment mandated by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1393, under the scope of the Fourth Anti‑Money Laundering Directive (4AMLD).

The evaluation considered public sources, inputs from Member States’ authorities, and information from the European External Action Service (EEAS).


As a result, all entities and financial institutions within the EU that fall under the AML framework are now required to apply “enhanced vigilance / enhanced due diligence (EDD)” when dealing with transactions involving Russia (or counterparties connected to Russia).



Next steps: The delegated regulation will enter into force after scrutiny and non-objection of the European Parliament and the Council within a period of one month. This can be prolonged for another month. The Commission will monitor the progress of all listed countries and will continue to follow relevant developments.


For more information

 

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