EU-wide progress on tackling euro coin counterfeiting in 2018

Source: European Commission (EC) i, published on Tuesday, March 26 2019.

Today, the European Commission publishes the 2018 data on the progress made in tackling counterfeiting of euro coins.

As part of this duty, the European Technical & Scientific Centre within the European Commission closely monitors the evolution of counterfeit euro coins and releases headline figures on a yearly basis.

In 2018, almost 180,000 counterfeit euro coins were removed from circulation, representing an increase of 11.45% compared to 2017. The 2-euro coin denomination remains by far the most affected, representing more than 2 out of 3 counterfeit euro coins detected (77% of the total). The 50 euro cent coin is the second most counterfeited denomination (14% of the total), ahead of the of 1-euro coin (9% of the total).

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.

More information on anti-counterfeiting measures