While Montenegro's amendments seek to ban the use of online methods to fund gambling accounts, the EU instead seeks to introduce standardized electronic identification methods called "European Digital Identification" (e-ID).
This measure will make it mandatory for EU countries to issue electronic IDs to their citizens. This will allow them to authenticate their identities for online services such as gambling.
Klitsch called Montenegro's electronic payment restrictions "outliers" among global trends.
"Internationally, there is a clear shift towards reducing cash transactions in favour of electronic payments, as claimed by institutions such as Moneyball and Financial Action Task Force (FATF). 슬롯사이트 순위
"The global financial community is embracing digital solutions for transparency and efficiency. So Montenegro's actions are separate not only from EU practices, but also from the direction of the global financial community."
In 2021, the European Commission urged Montenegro to step up efforts to counter money laundering. This change in process away from online payments could put Montenegro in the category of countries at higher risk of money laundering and terrorism financing.
The provision also conflicts with calls by the European Banking Authority (EBA) for all EU citizens to have access to online banking services, as well as citizens of countries seeking to join the bloc. Klitsch says the amendment to Section 68f contradicts "the EU's position on modern financial inclusivity."
"Going forward, we see this communication crisis as an opportunity to align Montenegro's financial practices with EU standards," Klitsch said, adding that it was "more than just correcting one law."
"It is about ensuring that Montenegro's financial and regulatory framework helps fair and competitive industries."
