Julio García-Aquí Europa
The Minister of Economy, Carlos Cuerpo, and the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, defended yesterday before the European Parliament and the Council of the EU the candidacy of the capital of Spain as the “perfect” place for the headquarters of the new EU anti-money laundering and terrorist financing agency (AMLA).
For an hour, both leaders recounted in Brussels the benefits of Madrid for hosting the AMLA. Thus, Carlos Cuerpo outlined, before those responsible for choosing this headquarters, a series of reasons about the capital of Spain: “an unbeatable framework, a reference for the EU, an international tradition of cooperation, digital leadership and highly human capital.” qualified talent available: all these are compelling reasons why Madrid is the perfect place for the AMLA.
The Minister of Economy insisted that Madrid is the “best candidate to host the AMLA”, since it “stands out in all relevant dimensions” when choosing the future headquarters.
Thus, he underlined the strength of Spanish legislation in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, which makes it an “example to follow” in this area and places it at the top of international financial intelligence rankings. , supervision or compliance of the private sector.
In addition, he also emphasized the Spanish institutional design in the matter, which combines supervisory activity and financial intelligence, which has inspired the design of the European AMLA itself.
The Spanish Minister of Economy also commented that Spain is a “reference” in terms of international coordination and, in particular, its “strong cooperation with Latin America, which will help export the European model beyond its borders”, as well as its “leadership digital”, particularly in cybersecurity and broadband connectivity.
After Cuerpo, the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez Almeida, assured that the city will assume “entirely” the cost of the “very competitive” rental of the Crystal Tower, which amounts to 112,000 euros per month, along with general operating expenses. during the first five years of operation of the AMLA.
Furthermore, he argued that the Crystal Tower is an “emblematic” and “versatile” building, as well as “sustainable”, of “high architectural quality” and well located, “connected in just 15 minutes” to the Madrid airport, and has with other nearby train or bus connections.
The mayor highlighted that the new European agency could start the activity in “just three months”, since two entire “open and flexible” floors have already been reserved in the Crystal Tower, and the space can be expanded with both more floors. complete as well as half floors to accommodate the planned 400 workers.
«In short», Almeida summarized, «the AMLA staff and their families will be welcomed by a vibrant city, full of energy, with a magnificent cultural, sports and leisure offer, an outstanding infrastructure provision and competitive prices that make it “in a special focus for talent.”
Madrid has competed with other large cities, such as Frankfurt, Paris, Dublin and Rome, which for many voices are considered favorites and which also presented their candidacies yesterday before the European Parliament and the Council (the Member States), which plan to adopt the final decision. on February 22.
The AMLA will be in charge of directly monitoring certain financial entities considered high risk in terms of money laundering or terrorist financing and coordinating the action of national supervisors and will begin operating in 2025.
