Table of Contents:
European Technical and Scientific Centre
Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about European Technical and Scientific Centre
Topics
These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.
Fight against fraud > Anti-fraud offices
European Technical and Scientific Centre (ETSC)
Document or Iniciative
Commission Decision 2005/37/EC of 29 October 2004 establishing the European Technical and Scientific Centre (ETSC) and providing for coordination of technical actions to protect euro coins against counterfeiting.
Summary
This decision establishes the European Technical and Scientific Centre (ETSC) within the European Commission in Brussels, attached to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
Tasks of the centre
The ETSC:
- analyses and classifies every new type of counterfeit euro coin, in accordance with the regulation on the protection of the euro against counterfeiting;
- contributes to fulfilling the objectives of the Pericles programme;
- assists the Coin National Analysis Centres (CNAC) and law-enforcement authorities;
- collaborates with relevant authorities in the analysis of counterfeit euro coins and the strengthening of protection.
Hosting at the French Mint
For the technical and scientific analysis of counterfeit euro coins, the ETSC uses the personnel and premises that the French Mint has made available, and notably its laboratory. The Commission seconds specialist members of its personnel for this purpose. The other expenses attributable to the work carried out by the ETSC are charged to the general budget of the European Union (EU).
Coordination and information activities
The Commission coordinates the actions of the technical authorities competent for the protection of euro coins, in particular through regular meetings of the Counterfeit Coin Experts Group. Chaired by the Commission, this group allows pooling of the various experiences and expertise of EU countries in relation to counterfeiting of euro coins and coordination of technical actions necessary to protect the euro.
The Economic and Financial Committee, the European Central Bank (ECB), the European Police Office (Europol) and the competent national authorities are regularly kept informed of the centre’s activities and of the situation as regards coin counterfeiting.
References
| Act | Entry into force | Deadline for transposition in the Member States | Official Journal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decision 2005/37/EC |
29.10.2004 |
– |
OJ L 19 of 21.1.2005 |
Related Acts
Regulation (EU) No 1210/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2010 concerning authentication of euro coins and handling of euro coins unfit for circulation [Official Journal L 339 of 22.12.2010].
This regulation introduces common rules and procedures within the euro area for checking the authenticity of euro coins in circulation and for handling and reimbursing euro coins unfit for circulation.
With a view to coordinating the application of these rules and procedures, the ETSC is responsible for defining, among others, the:
- technical specifications for the detection tests of coin-processing machines used for verifying the authenticity of euro coins;
- training practices for the cash handlers’ personnel tasked with checking euro coins;
- validity period of the summary reports on detection tests;
- information to be provided on the list published on the Commission website of coin-processing machines that have successfully passed a detection test;
- guidelines for annual on-the-spot controls by EU countries of cash handlers’ capacity to authenticate euro coins;
- rules for rectifying a cash handler’s non-compliance with the provisions of the regulation.
Council Decision 2003/861/EC of 8 December 2003 concerning analysis and cooperation with regard to counterfeit euro coins [Official Journal L 325 of 12.12.2003].
This decision, addressed to the EU countries of the euro zone, provides for the establishment by the Commission of the European Technical and Scientific Centre and ensures its functioning.
Council Decision 2003/862/EC of 8 December 2003 extending the effects of Decision 2003/861/EC concerning analysis and cooperation with regard to counterfeit euro coins to those Member States which have not adopted the euro as their single currency [Official Journal L 325 of 12.12.2003].
This decision extends the effects of Decision 2003/861/EC to EU countries that have not adopted the euro as their single currency.