EU Lifts Grey‑List Tag on UAE & Gibraltar, Boosts Trade Prospects

The European Parliament has approved the removal of the United Arab Emirates and Gibraltar from its “grey” list identifying countries with AML and counter‑terrorist financing deficiencies. The move, part of a broader update, also saw Barbados, Jamaica, Panama, the Philippines, Senegal, and Uganda delisted .

Highlights:

• EU–FATF Convergence: This update brings the EU’s list in line with FATF’s delistings of UAE and Gibraltar in 2024, signaling unified recognition of reforms .
• Reform Wins: The UAE recently imposed AML fines exceeding AED 350 million on non-compliant financial entities, while Gibraltar strengthened its financial controls to global standards .
• Trade & Finance Boost: Delisting removes red tape, encouraging faster, less costly transactions between the EU and UAE—an important facilitator for ongoing trade negotiations .
• Diplomatic Dynamics: Spanish MEPs had raised objections regarding Gibraltar, while the UAE’s removal was supported after commitments to maintain robust oversight. The EU also agreed to reevaluate Russia’s listing status by year-end .
• Implementation Timeline: The update takes effect upon publication in the EU’s Official Journal, expected imminently .

Implications:
Businesses in the UAE and Gibraltar can anticipate lower due diligence burdens and potential surge in European investment. The move also reinforces the territories’ roles as trusted financial partners. Future scrutiny is expected on other regions such as Russia and Monaco.

🌍 Looking Ahead: Keep an eye on the EU’s upcoming AML review of Russia scheduled before December 2025—the next critical grey‑list decision .