(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According to European Anti-Fraud Office, ten times as many counterfeit euro coins (26191) were withdrawn from circulation in 2003 as in 2002.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:

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.

In addition to these measures, the Commission, in collaboration with Member States and the ECB, 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.