EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/77

(2004/C 84 E/0082)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3655/03

by Ioannis Marínos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(9 December 2003)

Subject: Counterfeiting of euro notes and coins

Information is now coming to light that forged euro notes are being detected with great frequency in Eurozone countries. In Greece, in fact, even counterfeit EUR 2 coins have been detected, while the same source alleges that there is a factory producing forged euro notes in Bulgaria and another producing counterfeit coins in Turkey. Eurobarometer's report No 58 sets out the results of a survey demonstrating that a large number of Eurozone citizens still feel psychologically attached to their former national currencies, while the euro is also seen as responsible for prices being rounded up. The European Central Bank has announced that it has formed, in partnership with the major banknote issuing authorities, the Central Bank Counterfeit Deterrence Group (CBCDG).

Does the Commission consider that the general preparation for the euro's introduction was adequate, and that measures to prevent forgery were taken early enough?

Answer given by Mrs Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(2 February 2004)

The fact that the euro was introduced with so little difficulty shows that the preparation was indeed adequate, not only by the Commission but by all the players. In the words of the Communication (1) from the Commission to the European Council ‘Review of the introduction of euro notes and coins’: ‘This major success is due to the quality and extremely thorough nature of the preparations made by the participating Member States, the European institutions (the European Central Bank and the European Commission), the national central banks, financial institutions, sales outlets, the police and cash-transport firms and to the active and enthusiastic participation of the public, without which this operation and the rapid distribution of euros would not have been possible’ (2).

The public perception of the euro's introduction is taken seriously by the Commission which will, in 2004, intensify its communication on the euro and economic and monetary union. Part of the effort will be designed to dispel the erroneous perception that the euro has lead to price rises and part will concentrate on good news such as the reduction of costs for cross-border payments.

A substantial number of measures, aimed at increasing the level of the protection of the euro banknotes and coins against counterfeiting, have been taken by the Commission, the European Central Bank (ECB) and Europol as well as the Member States.

These include:

— Setting-up the legal framework and mechanisms for enhanced collaboration between all authorities competent for the fight against counterfeiting (law enforcement, central banks including those of acceding and third countries, Finance Ministries, etc.) at the level of Member States and European Institutions-bodies;

— Reinforcement of the penal measures against counterfeiting;

— Intense training for all those concerned, general and specialised, at national, Union and international level, for which the main vehicle is the specific programme Pericles for exchange, assistance and training, managed by the Commission;

— Continuous monitoring of the implementation of relevant legislation by the Member States; reporting and proposals, where appropriate.

Overall, the measures taken at European and at national level to prevent and repress euro counterfeiting have raised the level of protection and have increased security for the citizen.

These measures were taken prior to the introduction of the euro banknotes and coins. In particular, the Europol mandate was extended to the counterfeiting of money in 1999; increased penal protection was decided in May 2000 (3) in terms of setting minimum sanctions and extending the scope of punishable acts; and Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001 (4), which lays down measures for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting, was adopted in June 2001.

(1) COM(2002) 124 final.

(2) Europaper No 44 — April 2002.

(3) Council Framework Decision of 29 May 2000, OJ L 140, 14.6.2000.

(4) 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. Extended to those Member States that have not adopted the euro as their single currency in Council Regulation (EC) No 1339/2001 of 28 June 2001, OJ L 181, 4.7.2001.