The European Parliament adopted by 593 votes to 29, with 27 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an exchange, assistance and training programme for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting for the period 2021-2027 (Pericles IV programme).
The European Parliament’s position adopted at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure amended the Commission proposal as follows.
Objective
Parliament stressed that strong protection of the euro against counterfeiting was an essential element of the security and competitiveness of the Union's economy. The programme shall help to prevent and combat counterfeiting and related fraud, thus preserving the integrity of euro banknotes and coins and strengthening the confidence of citizens and businesses in their authenticity and therefore enhancing the trust in the Union’s economy.
Actions to promote the exchange of information shall include, inter alia, best practices in preventing counterfeiting and fraud relating to the euro.
Budget
The financial framework for the implementation of the programme for the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027 shall be set at EUR 7 700 000 (at current prices).
Strengthening cooperation with the European Central Bank and Europol
In order to ensure consistency and avoid unnecessary overlap with measures taken by other competent entities, the Commission shall take into account the activities of the ECB and Europol in combating euro counterfeiting and fraud when preparing work programmes.
The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts to adopt work programmes after consulting the experts appointed by each Member State and the representatives of the ECB and Europol.
Indicators
As regards the key performance indicators, Parliament replaced those listed in the Commission proposal (Annex) by a set of indicators directly measuring the effectiveness of the programme´s activities such as:
- the number of Member States and third countries whose competent national authorities have participated in the activities of the programme;
- the number of participants and their satisfaction rate as well as any other feedback they may have given on the usefulness of activities under the programme;
- information provided by the competent national authorities on the number of counterfeit euros detected and illegal workshops dismantled as a direct consequence of improved cooperation through the programme.
The Commission shall provide annually to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Central Bank, Europol, Eurojust and the European Public Prosecutor's Office information on the results of the programme, taking into account the quantitative and qualitative indicators defined in the Annex to the proposal.
Third countries
Counterfeiting hotspots have been detected in third countries and the counterfeiting of the euro is acquiring a growing international dimension. Members suggested capacity building and training activities involving the competent authorities of third countries should be considered essential to achieve the effective protection of the Union´s single currency and should be further encouraged in the context of the programme.