EU lawmakers reject too limited money laundering blacklist

BRUSSELS – European Union lawmakers have rejected a proposed blacklist of countries at risk of money laundering and terror financing because it is too limited.

The EU's executive Commission has put Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Guyana, Iraq, Laos, Syria, Uganda, Vanuatu and Yemen on the list.

But in a resolution passed Thursday by 393 votes to 67 votes, with 210 abstentions, lawmakers said the list is too limited and should include territories that make tax crimes easier.

The Bahamas was one place mentioned.

Dutch lawmaker Judith Sargentini, who drew up the resolution, said "we now hope that the Commission will be more ambitious in revisions, so as to create a blacklist which is fit-for-purpose."

Companies and citizens from blacklisted countries face stricter checks when they do business in the EU.