WRITTEN QUESTION E-0271/04 by Brice Hortefeux (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Counterfeit euro coins and banknotes.
Date: 2004-02-05
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: action programme, area of freedom, security and justice, economic offence, euro, fraud, paper money

C 84 E/560

Official Journal of the European Union

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3.4.2004

This proposal also includes the possibility to have mark-ups to the tolls in sensitive areas, intended to
finance transport infrastructure projects of high European interest in the same zone or corridor. Tolls
concerning other vehicles or other roads will be left to subsidiarity.

The Commission will contact the Italian Authorities in order to clarify the points raised by the Honourable
Member.

(1) Directive 1999/62/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 1999 on the charging of heavy goods

vehicles for the use of certain infrastructure, OJ L 187, 20.7.1999.

(2) COM(2003) 448 final, 2003/0175 (COD).

(2004/C 84 E/0638)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0271/04

by Brice Hortefeux (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(5 February 2004)

Subject: Counterfeit euro coins and banknotes

According to European Anti-Fraud Office,
ten times as many counterfeit euro coins (26 191) were
withdrawn from circulation in 2003 as in 2002. The quality of counterfeit coins also improved in 2003.

The European Central Bank has also announced that EUR 551 287 banknotes were removed from
circulation in 2003.

It is important to note, however, that these numbers are low in relation to the total number of coins
(49 billion) and banknotes (9 billion) in circulation. Nevertheless, the rise in the counterfeit rate and the
steady improvement of counterfeit techniques is a source of concern for European consumers.

Has the Commission considered taking more effective steps to combat this problem?

Answer given by Mrs Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2004)

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

Appropriate Community and EU legislation to protect euro banknotes and coins against counterfeiting has
been adopted including:

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

(cid:1) legislation increasing protection of euro banknotes and coins by criminal penalties and other sanctions

against counterfeiting (2); and

(cid:1) legislation establishing an exchange, assistance and training programme (Pericles) for the protection of

the euro (3).

These mechanisms guarantee strong protection of euro banknotes and coins against counterfeiting,
enhance collaboration across borders and disciplines, and support intense training at national, European
and international level.

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in collaboration with Member States and the ECB,
In addition to these measures, the Commission,
continues to concentrate on the correct implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001, particularly
Article 6 regarding the obligations of credit institutions.

The Commission is also committing resources to the complete implementation of the Community ‘acquis’
regarding the protection of the euro in the new Member States.

The establishment of joint investigation teams among Member States, with the involvement of Europol, is
enhancing actions by law enforcement agencies.

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 the 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. Council Decision OJ L 181, 4.7.2001 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.

(2004/C 84 E/0639)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0273/04

by Stefano Zappalà (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(5 February 2004)

Subject: Automar srl (cid:1) concessionaire for Mercedes Benz motor vehicles

Knowing that:

1. The company Automar srl is based at Via SS 148 Pontina No 41, Latina, Italy.

2.

Since 1968, this company has been the sole concessionaire for sales and assistance in Latina and the
surrounding province for Mercedes Benz passenger cars and industrial vehicles.

3.

Since 1997, this authorisation has been limited to passenger cars only.

4. The company currently has an annual turnover of around EUR 15 million and provides employment

for some 50 staff.

5.

In the period 1997-2000, Automar, on the strength of this agency contract, invested EUR 3,5 million
on technological modernisation and new services. All
these initiatives were authorised and/or
supported by the mother company.

6. On 19 September 2002, Daimler Chrysler Italia Spa unilaterally terminated the contract on the basis

of the agreement in Regulation (EC) No 1400/2002 (1), giving 12 months’ notice.

7.

In 2001, while the contract was still in force, Daimler Chrysler Italia Spa signed another concessionary
contract with a different company and made sales of cars to the value of around EUR 2,6 million.