The Council of Europe reported on the fourth Regional Conference Money in Politics in Chisinau, where around 100 representatives of electoral bodies, governments and international organizations examined how digital technologies are reshaping political finance and election integrity across Europe. The discussions centered on the need for stronger preventive measures, modernized oversight and closer institutional cooperation to address risks linked to illicit electoral financing, AI-generated fakes, cryptocurrencies, online campaigning and foreign interference. Council of Europe speakers framed the issue around risk assessment, governance and legal safeguards. MONEYVAL Vice-Chair Alfred Zammit, discussing Financial Action Task Force standards for crypto-enabled political finance, said states need to understand their risks and put in place effective mitigation measures supported by strong coordination between law enforcement agencies and financial intelligence units. Venice Commission member Veronika Bílková focused on whether the use of AI in electoral processes remains compatible with the rule of law, while Moldova Central Election Commission Chair Angelica Caraman said the digital space is becoming the main arena for electoral competition and requires adapted tools and safeguards. Participants concluded that the response requires not only technical adaptation but also sustained cross-border collaboration and continuous learning.

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