EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/792

(2004/C 84 E/0889)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0450/04

by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(23 February 2004)

Subject: Counterfeit banknotes

The European Central Bank has stated that 550 000 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in 2003. The banknotes withdrawn included the following denominations: EUR 50 (52 %), EUR 20 (30 %) and EUR 100 (12,7 %). Can the Commission indicate what initiatives it has proposed or intends to propose to curtail this phenomenon, and the total amount of euros withdrawn from circulation?

Answer given by Mrs Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(25 March 2004)

The protection of the euro banknotes and coins against counterfeiting is carried out jointly by the competent national authorities, the European Central Bank, Europol and the Commission. The roles and responsibilities of these European institutions and bodies are complementary.

With a view to protecting euro banknotes and coins against counterfeiting, Community legislation has been adopted including, ‘inter alia’, the following:

— legislation laying down measures necessary for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting (1);

— legislation increasing protection of euro banknotes and coins by criminal penalties and other sanctions against counterfeiting (2); and

— legislation establishing an exchange, assistance and training programme (Pericles) for the protection of the euro (3).

These mechanisms guarantee strong protection for the euro banknotes and coins against counterfeiting, through enhanced collaboration across countries and disciplines and intense training at national, European and international level.

The Commission is currently committing significant resources to the complete implementation of the Community acquis regarding the protection of the euro in the new Member States. Particular emphasis is put on combating the rising threat of euro counterfeits coming from countries outside the EU. The establishment of joint investigation teams among Member States, with the involvement of Europol, is enhancing actions by law enforcement agencies.

The Commission, in collaboration with Member States and the other European institutions and bodies, is also working to ensure complete implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001, particularly Article 6 regarding the obligations of credit institutions.

Finally, communication action is being intensified by the European Central Bank and the Commission, as regards the protection of the euro.

The Commission will continue to take all necessary initiatives to reinforce the protection of euro banknotes and coins against fraud and counterfeiting.

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001 of 28 June 2001 laying down measures necessary for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting, OJ L 181, 4.7.2001, Council Decision of 29 April 1999 extending Europol's mandate to deal with forgery of money, OJ C 149, 28.5.1999.

(2) Council Framework Decision of 29 May 2000 on increasing protection by criminal penalties and other sanctions against counterfeiting in connection with the introduction of the euro, OJ L 140, 14.6.2000.

(3) Council Decision 2001/923/EC of 17 December 2001 establishing an exchange, assistance and training programme for the protection of euro against counterfeiting OJ L 339, 21.12.2001.