As a part of the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP) initiative for Czech Republic “Enhancing effectiveness of the AML/CFT regime in the Czech Republic”, the Council of Europe Economic Crime and Cooperation Division (ECCD), in cooperation with the European Commission Directorate General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) and Czech Ministry of the Interior organised the Workshop on the Guidelines for Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) on conducting ML/TF Risk Assessment in Prague, Czech Republic on 29 March 2022.

Following the development of Guidelines for NPOs on conducting ML/TF Risk Assessment in 2021, the Council of Europe continued to support Czech authorities by organising a series of awareness-raising activities for the various NPOs operating in Czech Republic. The event brought together representatives of different NPOs as well as representatives of relevant Czech authorities including Financial Analytical Office and Ministry of Interior, and a representative of DG REFORM.

The first part of the event focused on the national context and provided opportunity to Czech Ministry of the Interior representative to deliver a presentation on the awareness raising activities for NPOs in Czech Republic conducted by the Ministry of the Interior regarding prevention of terrorist financing.

The second part was dedicated to very comprehensive presentations of experienced international expert on ML/TF threats that the NPOs are facing, focusing on protecting the NPOs from terrorist abuse. The Council of Europe expert provided practical advice on how to implement the Guidelines developed in the course of this project and how to effectively manage risks, ensuring at the same time sustainability of the NPOs funding, maintaining good repute needed to attract donors and continuing with good works and humanitarian activities.

As a follow-up, the ECCD will further conduct awareness raising activities to enhance the NPOs’ understanding of ML/TF risks and to promote the risk-based approach.

The event was organised within the framework of the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP) initiative for Czech Republic “Enhancing effectiveness of the AML/CFT regime in the Czech Republic”, funded by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.