Counterfeiting and security were major considerations in the process of the design of coins and banknotes. In general overall levels of counterfeiting have been relatively low. However, because each country’s euro notes and coins — with distinctive designs — are legal tender across the euro area, common rules and coordination are needed to ensure anti-counterfeiting measures are equally effective in all countries.
Legislation against euro-counterfeiting
To protect the euro in the euro area and beyond, EU legislation aims to ensure proper coordination of anti-counterfeiting measures between national authorities and adequate penalties for counterfeiters under national criminal law.
The European Technical and Scientific Centre (ETSC)
The European Technical and Scientific Centre is established within the Commission in Brussels to analyse and classify every new type of counterfeit coin.
Pericles 2020 programme – Exchanges, assistance & training
The Pericles 2020 programme funds staff exchanges, seminars, trainings and studies for law enforcement and judicial authorities, banks and...
A list and description of the main cooperation forums and expert groups on anti-counterfeiting.