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

In a text established by Direction H of the Secretariat- General of the Council of the European Union, the Council proposes an amended version of the proposal for a decision on the framework proposal aiming to reinforce the penal framework for the protection against counterfeiting in view of the circulation of the Euro. This new version mainly focuses on the offence committed by legal persons on the subject of counterfeiting. The Council insists in particular on the responsibility of legal persons in the matter, as well as on the sanctions to which they will be liable in the event of fraudulent acts. In addition, the Council clarifies the text of the framework decision notably concerning the description of general offences liable for sanctions (by adding in particular the incitement of counterfeiting). It also more clearly describes the type of sanctions to apply in case of fraud : the prison terms should be at least 8 years. Lastly, the Council believes that this text should be applicable from 31.12.2000 at the latest for the effective combat of counterfeiting of notes and coins denominated in Euro, and from now on until 31.03.2001 for the whole of the proposed measure.