In preparation for the changeover to euro cash, various measures were taken in the course of 1999 in order to protect the euro banknotes and coins against counterfeiting. Among these measures, let me highlight the ECB’s decision to set up a database to collect and store all technical and statistical data on counterfeit euro banknotes and coins and to develop a counterfeit monitoring system.
In addition, the ECB is liaising with the European Commission, Europol and Interpol in order to ensure an BIS Review 35/2000  4  effective exchange of information in this regard. Finally, I should take the opportunity to inform you that the ECB recently finalised the design and content of the EURO 2002 information campaign.