Counterfeit euro coins detected in circulation, 2012 – 2016
|
Year |
50 cent |
1 euro |
2 euro |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 |
25 357 |
18 754 |
106 141 |
150 258 |
|
2015 |
25 146 |
20 022 |
101 709 |
146 889 |
|
2014 |
36 004 |
24 851 |
131 340 |
192 195 |
|
2013 |
30 100 |
27 100 |
120 400 |
177 600 |
|
2012 |
32 700 |
29 500 |
121 000 |
183 200 |
Counterfeit euro coins detected before circulation, 2012 – 2016
|
Year |
50 cent |
1 euro |
2 euro |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 |
39 041 |
0 |
38 043 |
77 084 |
|
2015 |
1 |
4 |
15 |
20 |
|
2014 |
1 |
38 690 |
263 279 |
301 970 |
|
2013 |
160 |
360 |
30 501 |
31 051 |
|
2012 |
4 |
1 800 |
72 |
1 872 |
A combination of preventive measures including legislation, technical analysis, law enforcement coordination and judicial cooperation have allowed Member States to make progress in removing counterfeit euro coins from circulation.
A comprehensive legal framework exists at European level for the protection of the euro consisting of administrative, training and criminal law and authentication measures.
- The European Parliament and the Council adopted Directive 2014/62/EU which reinforces the criminal law rules to protect the euro and other currencies against counterfeiting. In particular, the Directive improves the level of criminal law sanctions, the deterrence of counterfeit notes and coins and the tools for cross border investigations. The transposition date was set for the 23rd of May 2016.
- Regulation (EU) No 1210/2010on the authentication of euro coins sets out the rules for financial institutions to ensure that all euro coins put back into circulation are genuine.
Background
Under EU rules (Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001), the Commission is responsible for the European Technical & Scientific Centre (ETSC). The ETSC analyses and classifies new types of counterfeit euro coins. It is established in DGECFIN and uses the technical equipment and installations of the Monnaie de Paris (The French Mint).
The Commission also cooperates closely with the European Central Bank, Europol, Interpol and the competent national authorities. The European Central Bank is responsible for analysing counterfeit euro banknotes. Europol and Interpol support the Member States’ law enforcement services in combating serious organised crime by facilitating the exchange of information and providing operational and strategic analysis.
The Commission is also responsible for implementing the "Pericles 2020" programme which provides training and technical assistance for competent national authorities to enable them to further improve the protection of euro banknotes and coins against counterfeiting.
Details
- Publication date
- 16 March 2017
- Location
- Brussels