The United Arab Emirates recently hosted the 8th EU-UAE Structural Dialogue on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) in Abu Dhabi. This strategic meeting highlighted the strong commitment and collaboration between the UAE and the European Union (EU) in tackling financial crimes and enhancing international cooperation.

During the dialogue, both sides conducted a thorough review of their ongoing collaboration, focusing on global trends, emerging risks, and challenges related to money laundering and the financing of terrorism. They explored avenues for expanding joint efforts to protect financial systems from illicit activities and ensure compliance with global standards.

As a result of the discussions, both parties agreed to pursue a defined set of technical and practical areas for judicial and law enforcement cooperation, which will enhance exchanges and collaborative efforts. The mutual interest in these cooperation areas was clearly expressed by both sides.

The meeting was co-chaired by Saeed Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, and Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE. Alexandra Jour-Schroeder, the Deputy-Director-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services, and Capital Markets Union, also participated in the dialogue.

Saeed Al Hajeri reaffirmed the longstanding UAE-EU partnership, emphasizing the importance of advancing strategic collaboration. He stressed the UAE’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the EU and highlighted the necessity of joint efforts to share expertise, enhance transparency, and build resilience within the global financial system.

Al Hajeri stated that the 8th EU-UAE Structural Dialogue on AML/CFT marks a significant milestone in their relationship. He noted that this partnership aligns with the UAE’s broader vision to provide practical solutions to global financial challenges and maintain the integrity of international financial systems.

Alexandra Jour-Schroeder acknowledged the productive exchanges with UAE authorities regarding sustainable cooperation in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. She emphasized the EU’s need to strengthen judicial and law enforcement cooperation with the UAE on AML/CFT matters, viewing the agreement on tangible areas for further cooperation as an encouraging development.

UAE representatives included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, the Secretariat General of the National AML/CFT Committee, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Ministry of Justice. EU participants comprised representatives from the European Commission Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers, the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, and the External Action Service, along with agencies like Eurojust, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, and Europol.