Answer for question E-000321/25

EN E-000321/2025 Answer given by Ms Albuquerque on behalf of the European Commission (28.4.2025) Article 18 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union prohibits discrimination on grounds of nationality within the scope of application of the Treaties. Sectorial EU legislation may additionally include specific provisions to prevent discrimination. In the area of consumer credits, the Consumer Credit Directive1 obliges Member States to ensure that the conditions for being granted credit do not discriminate against consumers on the grounds of nationality or place of residence. Article 15 of the Payment Accounts Directive2 prohibits banks from discriminating against consumers, on grounds such as nationality or place of residence, as regards access to bank accounts. However, different documents may be required from consumers for compliance with other EU legislation, for instance Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules. The AML Directive3 requires obliged entities4 to adopt a risk-based approach, granting discretion on the measures applied to mitigate customer, geographic and other risks. Discriminatory practices would however run counter to the spirit of the Directive5. Should the alleged discrimination result from national transposing measures and their implementation, note that Member States must act within the limits of EU law and comply with general principles of EU law, including non-discrimination6. Regarding telecommunications activities, the European Electronic...