Mariusz Kamiński, a Polish MEP from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, has escalated his scrutiny of the European Commission over the role of former Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders in shaping the EU's anti-money laundering (AML/CFT) package, amid allegations that Reynders himself was involved in money laundering while in office. In a written parliamentary question dated 25 June 2026, Kamiński demands a concrete account of whether Reynders, his cabinet, or the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers proposed any amendments or reservations that would have weakened the package's coverage of practices such as money laundering through lotteries, art trading, sanctions evasion via real estate, or concealing suspicious contacts through foundations and tax-haven-linked structures — mechanisms that, according to media reports and charges, Reynders allegedly used during his term.
The question follows an earlier exchange (E-000455/2026) in which Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, invoking collegiality, avoided addressing whether Reynders influenced the legislative procedure. The Commission did concede that the process 'naturally involved all members of the College and their cabinets.' Kamiński now argues that the lack of an independent review of decisions taken by the commissioner responsible for AML policy, while he faces serious accusations, raises legitimate concerns about conflicts of interest and the integrity of the legislative process.
the Commission must disclose any comments, amendments, reservations, or opinions from Reynders' team aimed at weakening or restricting the AML/CFT package's coverage of the listed practices. This is a targeted attempt to uncover whether the former commissioner used his position to shield activities he is now accused of. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it is willing to investigate potential internal influence or will continue to shield the process under collegiality.
The outcome could affect the credibility of the Commission's AML framework, particularly if evidence emerges of weakened provisions. EU citizens and civil society groups concerned about financial integrity may see the question as a test of institutional accountability. The financial sector, including art dealers, lottery operators, and real estate firms, could face tighter rules if the package's coverage is reinforced. Meanwhile, the Commission itself risks reputational damage if it fails to provide a transparent response, potentially eroding trust in its legislative processes.