Euro: protection by penal sanctions against counterfeiting and falsification. Framework Decision

PURPOSE: to increase protection by penal sanctions against counterfeiting with the introduction of the euro. CONTENT: on the initiative of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Council has proposed a framework decision that seeks to combat the counterfeiting and falsification of euro banknotes and coins before they are put into circulation on 01.01.2002. To this end, the Member States are invited to accede to the International Convention of 1929 on the Suppression of Counterfeiting Currency and its Protocol so as to ensure that the conduct referred to in the Convention is punishable by effective, proportionate and dissuasive criminal penalties from the moment at which they apply to the single currency. The transport, export, transfer and purchase of false euros by a third party will also be liable to penal sanctions. Likewise, all operations leading to the falsification of the single currency, in particular, the constitution of holograms and other components of currency which serve to protect against counterfeiting, as well as computer programmes and other means specially adapted for the counterfeiting or altering of the euro. Provision is also made for the introduction in each Member State of competence in the event that offences are committed with respect to the euro outside the territory of the State and where it has not extradited the offender. In addition, all measures shall be implemented in order to follow the offenders in one Member State when they have committed an offence in more than one Member State. The draft framework decision shall be applicable from 31.12.2000. An evaluation of the application of the framework decision is provided for by 31.12.2004 at the latest.�