Counterfeit euro coins detected in circulation, 2014 – 2018
| Year | 50 cent | 1 euro | 2 euro | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 24 974 | 16 222 | 138 157 | 179 353 |
| 2017 | 27 939 | 17 723 | 115 249 | 160 914 |
| 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 |
Counterfeit euro coins detected before circulation, 2014 – 2018
| Year | 50 cent | 1 euro | 2 euro | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 545 | 54 | 136 | 735 |
| 2017 | 0 | 1 | 31 058 | 31 059 |
| 2016 | 39 041 | 0 | 38 043 | 77 084 |
| 2015 | 1 | 4 | 15 | 20 |
| 2014 | 1 | 38 690 | 263 279 | 301 970 |
The European Commission's policy with regard to anti-counterfeiting is based on four pillars: prevention, repression, training and cooperation. A combination of 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.
The Commission continues to cooperate with both the Member States and the credit institutions to facilitate and improve the implementation of Regulation (EU) No 1210/2010 on the authentication of euro coins and the handling of euro coins unfit for circulation. The positive results in countering counterfeiting also reflect the increased effectiveness in implementing this Regulation.
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 within DG ECFIN.
National authorities and credit institutions are responsible for detection, authentication and withdrawal of euro coins unfit for circulation. Common rules and coordination at EU level ensure that national authorities combine their efforts to optimally prevent and suppress counterfeiting of euro coins. This process ensures that euro coins in circulation are genuine and fit.
The Commission 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. Building on the success of Pericles, in May 2018, the Commission proposed to continue the programme for the period 2021-2027, as part of the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
Details
- Publication date
- 26 March 2019
- Location
- Brussels