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European Banking Authority Identifies Key Advances In AML/CFT Supervision

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has released a comprehensive report evaluating initiatives taken by competent authorities across the EU and EEA to mitigate money laundering and terrorist financing risks. Drawing on six years of in-depth reviews, the report not only highlights significant improvement in supervisory practices but also outlines a strategic framework for ongoing reform.

Enhanced Risk-Based Frameworks For Supervisory Excellence

Over the past six years, regulators have made notable strides in adopting risk-based approaches to AML/CFT supervision. With dedicated strategies, tailored supervisory plans, and robust manuals now in place, the sector has seen greater consistency and effectiveness. Although certain challenges have temporarily impeded reform efforts, authorities have consistently optimized the use of available supervisory tools to safeguard the integrity of financial institutions.

Strengthened Coordination And International Cooperation

The report further details substantial enhancements in coordination between national regulators and key stakeholders, including financial intelligence units and tax authorities. Enhanced communication channels with prudential supervisors in other EU jurisdictions and third countries underscore the commitment to a harmonized approach. These improvements are critical, particularly as the regulatory landscape evolves and international collaboration becomes ever more essential in combating financial crime.

A Strategic Roadmap For The New Euro Anti-Money Laundering Authority

As the EU transitions oversight responsibilities to the new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), the findings of the EBA report provide an up-to-date, strategic overview of AML/CFT supervision. By aligning national practices with EBA standards, the groundwork is laid for enhanced indirect supervision under AMLA. While some nations continue to work on fully implementing EBA recommendations, the progress made thus far serves as a promising indicator of the future regulatory landscape.

In sum, the EBA’s extensive review underscores the critical evolution of AML/CFT supervisory practices in the EU. This report not only marks the successful conclusion of a multiannual review project but also sets a forward-looking agenda for continued enhancement in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

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