European Central Bank and Interpol Conclude Anti-Counterfeit Currency Agreement

On May 12, 2004, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) concluded an agreement to cooperate on combating the counterfeiting of the euro. The purpose of the Agreement is to establish a framework for cooperation between the ECB and Interpol to facilitate the prevention and detection of the counterfeiting of euro banknotes throughout the world, particularly in countries not belonging to the European Union (EU). Subject to the parties’ internal rules and regulations and to such arrangements as may be required to safeguard confidential information, the signatories agreed to exchange information and documents on matters of common interest to facilitate the prevention and detection of the counterfeiting of euro banknotes.