Tougher rules against money laundering
The joint committees on Economic and Home Affairs will vote on new rules to prevent money laundering or terrorist financing on Monday evening. "The terrorist attacks and financial innovations such as virtual currencies require updates to current laws. The new rules will impose stricter controls and prevention and improve cooperation between the authorities of the Member States. These measures will certainly make Europe safer", says Emil Radev MEP, the EPP Group Shadow Rapporteur in Parliament's Justice and Home Affairs Committee. "The behaviour of criminals hasn't changed. They use anonymity to launder their illicit proceeds or finance terrorism. We have to make sure that the legislation addresses the threats to our citizens and the financial sector. This also means tightening up the rules regulating virtual currencies and anonymous prepaid cards", said Krišjānis Kariņš MEP, co-Rapporteur on behalf of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee.
The pan-European personal pension product
The European Commission is planning to create a new type of voluntary, pan-European personal pension product (PEPP). As only 27% of EU citizens have a personal pension, welfare systems are already under pressure. The new personal pension scheme will complement state-based pensions. One of the benefits for PEPP savers is that they will be able to continue contributing to their PEPP when moving to another Member State. An EPP Group hearing on the topic will take place on Wednesday 31 January, 16:30-18:30, in Room JAN 6Q1 in the European Parliament, Brussels.
Chairman's agenda
Thursday: Panel discussion on 'A new role for the Balkans: Solutions for more security and better migration management' with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Boyko Borissov, Bavarian Representation in Brussels
Press Conferences (29 January - 2 February)
Friday @ 11.00: Pre-session briefing