NEWS: Lax sanctions allow the financing of WMDs – FATF

Regulatory Watch News

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  The EBA consults on amendments to data collection for the 2027 market risk benchmarking exercise

  EBA

  July 17, 2026

  The European Banking Authority (EBA) today launched a consultation on amendments to the Implementing Technical Standards (ITS) governing the benchmarking of internal models and the standardised approach for market risk for the 2027 exercise. The proposed amendments aim to ensure that the benchmarking framework remains aligned with the evolving regulatory framework, while providing institutions and supervisors with adequate time to prepare for the implementation of the upcoming market risk requirements. This consultation runs until 3 September 2026.  

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  Europol and Frontex strengthen cooperation with new Working Arrangement

  Europol

  July 17, 2026

  On the margins of the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council meeting today in Dublin, Ireland, Europol and Frontex signed a new Working Arrangement, reinforcing cooperation between the two agencies in tackling cross-border threats affecting the European Union. The new arrangement replaces the agreement signed in 2015 and reflects the significantly expanded mandates that both agencies have received in recent years. It establishes an updated framework for cooperation enhancing the secure exchange of information, including for operational purposes, enabling Europol and Frontex to provide even more effective support to EU Member States.

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  Poland: EPPO carries out investigative measures in customs and VAT fraud probe and suspected sanctions circumvention

  European Public Prosecutor's Office

  July 17, 2026

  (Luxembourg, 17 July 2026) – At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Katowice (Poland), law enforcement authorities have carried out investigative measures, as part of a probe into possible customs and VAT fraud and suspected circumvention of sanctions. A suspect was questioned. The case concerns the fraudulent import of birch plywood from Russia, in order to circumvent the sanctions currently in force.