In this context, I should like to refer to the close co-operation on anti-counterfeiting issues that has been established between the ECB, Europol and the European Commission. Moreover, co-operation agreements are about to be concluded between the ECB and Interpol, and between the ECB and national central banks of acceding countries. Before concluding, let me make a final remark.
As you know, this is my last testimony before your Committee. I have had the privilege to preside over the ECB for the past five years, guiding it from its very inception through a number of crucial - and successful - stages, such as the introduction of the euro in 1999 and, three years later, the euro cash changeover.