Free movement of capital

EU Fact Sheets 07-12-2023

The free movement of capital is one of the four fundamental freedoms of the EU single market. It is not only the most recent one but, because of its unique third-country dimension, also the broadest. The liberalisation of capital flows progressed gradually. Restrictions on capital movements and payments, both between Member States and with third countries, have been prohibited since the start of 2004 as a result of the Maastricht Treaty, although exceptions may exist.