Free movement of capital

Abstract

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 thirdcountry 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.