January 16, 2025
Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, Nigel Feetham KC MP has been in Brussels this week for a series of meetings.
In February 2024, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) white-listed Gibraltar following a thorough assessment of its compliance with international standards. Consequently, on 14 March 2024, the European Commission proposed updating its own separate EU list to also remove Gibraltar alongside other jurisdictions.
However, on 23 April 2024, the European Parliament failed to ratify this decision, a disappointing outcome for Gibraltar that was not based on any technical assessment.
Since then, no further updates have been made to the EU list. This is not surprising, given the European Parliament elections in June 2024 and the formation of a new College of Commissioners, including a new Commissioner responsible for Financial Services, who only took office on 1 December 2024.
Minister Feetham’s visit to Brussels marks the first opportunity to engage with key EU institutions since the new Commission was formed. He has met with John Berrigan, the Director-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services, and Capital Markets Union (DG-FISMA), the most senior official in this department.
In addition, Minister Feetham met with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
During these meetings, Minister Feetham highlighted the continuing work he has spearheaded as Minister with responsibility for Justice and Taxation since being white-listed by the FATF in February 2024, including:
Minister Feetham emphasised that Gibraltar remains unwavering in its commitment to combat money laundering and financial crime. Through legislative reforms, enhanced enforcement, and close international collaboration, Gibraltar continues to maintain a robust and transparent framework for AML, CFT, and sanctions compliance.
Whilst in Brussels, Minister Feetham also paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador and Head of the UK Mission to the EU, Lindsay Croisdale-Appleby CMG.
This visit underscores Gibraltar’s determination to engage constructively with European institutions and ensure its efforts are fully recognised.
Minister Feetham, Principal Secretary Julian Baldachino
Minister Feetham with Daniel D’Amato and Paul Patron (Brussels Gibraltar Office), European Parliament.
Minister Feetham and John Berrigan, the Director-General, offices of European Commission.