THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 87(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee [OJ C 367, 10.10.2018, p. 84.],

After consulting the Committee of the Regions,

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure [Position of the European Parliament of 17 April 2019 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council of 14 June 2019.],

Whereas:

(1) Facilitating the use of financial information is necessary to prevent, detect, investigate or prosecute serious crime.

(2) In order to enhance security, improve prosecution of financial crimes, combat money laundering and prevent tax crimes in the Member States and across the Union, it is necessary to improve access to information by Financial Intelligence Units (‘FIUs’) and public authorities responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of serious crime, to enhance their ability to conduct financial investigations and to improve cooperation between them.

(3) Pursuant to Article 4(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), the Union and the Member States are to assist each other. They should also commit to cooperate in a loyal and expeditious manner.