Council Decision 2001/887/JHA of 6 December 2001 on the protection of the euro against counterfeiting

The euro is a central part of the European economy; protecting it against counterfeiting is essential. This decision aims at ensuring that cohesive and efficient analyses of suspected counterfeit notes and coins are carried out in the context of investigations into counterfeiting of the euro.

With a view to the introduction of the euro on 1 January 2002, this decision supplements a number of existing provisions on the protection of the euro against counterfeiting, namely:

Council Framework Decision 2000/383/JHA on increasing protection by criminal penalties and other sanctions against counterfeiting in connection with the introduction of the euro;
Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001 laying down measures necessary for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting.

In the context of investigations into counterfeiting of the euro, this decision requires European Union (EU) countries to ensure that the National Analysis Centres (NACs) carry out the necessary expert analyses of suspected counterfeit notes. For suspected counterfeit coins, the Coin National Analysis Centres (CNACs) must carry out the necessary expert analyses. EU countries must forward the results of these expert analyses to the European Police Office (Europol).