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Finance

Monitoring of free movement of capital

The European Commission monitors the application by EU countries of the Treaty provisions on free movement of capital.

Overview

The principle of free movement of capital applies directly to the laws of EU countries.

The enforcement activity of the European Commission in this area mainly focuses on monitoring capital flows and ensuring that EU countries properly apply the rules of the Treaty.

The Commission analyses restrictions to the free movement of capital and acts to eliminate any barrier that is incompatible with the Treaty. This is done through dialogue with EU countries or by pursuing infringement cases where appropriate.

Reports and studies on capital and investment flows

Every year, the Commission publishes working documents that describe the developments on capital movements and investment flows across the EU. These documents often build on the results of external studies that provide in-depth analysis of investment flows within the EU and in the context of the global economy.​