Radio France International Article

The EU's decision to blacklist Mauritius for money laundering and terrorist financing sent a shockwave across the island. The list has not yet been confirmed but, despite Mauritius' best efforts, it looks likely to happen in October. The move could not come at a worse time when the small island is struggling to restore its economy in the aftermath of Covid-19.

On 7 May, the European Commission included Mauritius among a list of 22 countries that "pose significant threats to the financial system of the Union".

"We are stunned, no one expected the European Commission to deal such a blow," said Assad Abdullatiff, managing director at Axis Fiduciary, a management company.

The decision will be confirmed on 1 October. If that is the case, it will not only jeopardise the reputation of Mauritius as a trustworthy financial centre but will also endanger the livelihood of almost 14 thousand people on the island.