EFSD Admitted as Observer to the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism

The 44th Plenary Session of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) was held May 19–23 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. At the session, members approved the application of the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD) for EAG observer status.

Observer status broadens the EFSD's capacity to participate in and support priority initiatives aimed at advancing financial security and economic development across member states. This includes strengthening national AML/CFT/CPF frameworks, developing technical assistance mechanisms, and facilitating the exchange of best practices and subject-matter expertise.

Background: 

The EAG's primary mandate is to enhance the resilience of member states' financial systems and economies against the threats of money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. The Group operates in accordance with FATF international standards on anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and countering proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF), as well as related provisions and measures adopted by other international organizations of which member states are participants. The EAG also works to ensure effective cooperation and coordination at the regional level.

The EAG currently comprises nine member states: Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Observer status has been granted to 17 countries and 28 international organizations.