Serbia-EU negotiations

Negotiating chapter 4 - Free movement of capital

Free movement of capital is one of the four freedoms on which the functioning of the EU internal market is based. Prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing is one of the topics under this negotiating chapter, in addition to harmonisation of legislation in the area of capital movements and current payments.

The Ministry of Finance coordinates the negotiating group for this chapter. The most important EU acquis in this area is the Fourth EU Directive, i.e. Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Directive 2006/70/EC. In April 2018, the European Union passed the so-called Fifth Directive amending the Fourth Directive.

Relevant EU acquis is also the Regulation (EU) 2015/847 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on information accompanying transfers of funds and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1781/2006.

Negotiating Chapter 24 - Justice, freedom, security

Creating an area of justice, freedom and security is also one of the EU objectives. Even though it is addressed under Negotiating Chapter 4 on free movement of capital prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing, i.e. the criminal aspect of these issues, is covered also within Negotiating Chapter 24 - Justice, freedom, security, particularly under subchapters on Fight Against Organised Crime adn Fight Against Terrorism. The Ministry of the Interior is the coordinator of the negotiating group for this chapter, and the APML regularly participates at relevant activities.

Negotiating chapter 31 - Foreign, security and defence policy

Common foreign and security policy of the European Union was established in the Maastricht Treaty, and especially strengthened in the Lisbon Treaty, as the EU wants to speak with one voice when it comes to foreign policy. It is mostly founded on consensus of the member states and it constitutes a mechanism for adopting common declarations and guidelines for political and security issues that lead to common diplomatic action and to undertaking common actions. Decisions are adopted to define the EU position towards certain issues and measures to implement Common foreign and security policy, including sanctions. In addition to diplomatic action, main lines of action within this chapter is the Common security and defence policy, restrictive measures and arms control.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates the affairs under this negotiating chapter. Relevant EU acquis, within the APML’s remit, are mostly those related targeted financial sanctions for terrorism.