Implementation and results of the Pericles programme for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting in 2014

The ''Pericles 2020'' programme is an exchange, assistance and training programme for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting . The annual budget for the implementation of the ''Pericles 2020'' programme for the year 2014 was set at EUR 924 200.

In the year 2014, the Programme funded 10 projects, of which 6 originated from the competent authorities of euro area Member States, while 4 were initiatives of the Commission. 3 actions were implemented in 2014, while 7 actions are being/will be implemented in 2015. In 2014, applicants to the Programme represented three Member States, Italy, France and Spain. This reflects that the countries most affected by euro counterfeiting are more frequent users of Pericles funds. The actions granted in 2014 consisted of three seminars, three technical trainings, two staff exchanges and two studies. They took place both inside and outside the EU depending on the specific needs to protect the euro against counterfeiting. Since its inception, Pericles consolidated its regional approach by implementing actions involving particularly sensitive regions of the world. Specific focus areas in 2014 were Latin America (Chile and Colombia), the South East of Europe (Albania and Turkey) and the Mediterranean region.

A particular highlight of the 2014 ''Pericles 2020'' programme is the 3rd International Conference on the Protection of the Euro against Counterfeiting, held in Frankfurt from 24 to 27 March 2015, and jointly organised with Europol and the European Central Bank. It brought together more than 170 experts from over 40 nationalities in workshops and presentations. The conference was highly successful in exchanging best practices and laying the basis for increased multidisciplinary cooperation between and among the European Institutions, Member States and third countries.

The ''Pericles 2020'' programme continues to be an important and effective tool in the fight against counterfeiting. The Programme forms the basis for the support of studies, maintaining and developing cooperation, and exchanging best practices among all actors involved in the fight against euro counterfeiting. Currently the Annual Work Plan for 2015 is in full implementation.

The full report can be found here.