Decision 2001/887 - 2001/887/JHA: Council Decision of 6 December 2001 on the protection of the euro against counterfeiting - Main contents

Protection of the euro against counterfeiting

The euro is a central part of the European economy; protecting it against counterfeiting is essential. This decision aims at ensuring that cohesive and efficient analyses of suspected counterfeit notes and coins are carried out in the context of investigations into counterfeiting of the euro.

ACT

Council Decision 2001/887/JHA of 6 December 2001 on the protection of the euro against counterfeiting.

SUMMARY

With a view to the introduction of the euro on 1 January 2002, this decision supplements a number of existing provisions on the protection of the euro against counterfeiting, namely:

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  Council Framework Decision 2000/383/JHA on increasing protection by criminal penalties and other sanctions against counterfeiting in connection with the introduction of the euro;
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  Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001 laying down measures necessary for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting.

In the context of investigations into counterfeiting of the euro, this decision requires European Union (EU) countries to ensure that the National Analysis Centres (NACs) carry out the necessary expert analyses of suspected counterfeit notes. For suspected counterfeit coins, the Coin National Analysis Centres (CNACs) must carry out the necessary expert analyses. EU countries must forward the results of these expert analyses to the European Police Office (Europol).

The national central offices responsible for investigations into counterfeiting in EU countries have an obligation to communicate centralised information on investigations into counterfeiting and offences related to counterfeiting of the euro, including information received from non-EU countries, to Europol. At least the following information should be communicated:

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  details on the persons involved;
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  description of the offences;
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  the circumstances in which the offences were discovered;
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  the context of the seizure;
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  any connections to other cases.

To cooperate on their investigations into counterfeiting and offences related to counterfeiting of the euro, EU countries’ competent authorities should make use of the facilities of Eurojust.

References

See also

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  The website of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) on the protection of the euro
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  The website of the European Central Bank on anti-counterfeiting

Last updated: 10.01.2011

This summary has been adopted from EUR-Lex.