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

Under the consultation procedure, the European Parliament approved its report drafted by Ms. Charlotte Cederschiöld (EPP/ED, Sw) regarding the Commission's proposal subject to a few amendments. One of these lays down that a person whose trial has been finally disposed of in one Member State may not be prosecuted in another Member State in respect of the same facts. Another amendment relates to former legal tender, and requires Member States to take the necessary measures to ensure that conduct referred to in Articles 3 and 4 is also punishable if it relates to banknotes and coins which, as a result of the introduction of the euro, are no longer legal tender. A new Article has been included which provides that the jurisdiction for prosecution shall lie as a matter of priority with the Member State in which the offence has been committed. Where this criterion is not met, jurisdiction shall lie with the Member State of which the offender is a citizen, or else the place which the perpetrators have been arrested.�