Strengthening the fight against Euro counterfeiting – Final evaluation of the Pericles 2020 initiative

The Pericles 2020 initiative aims to protect euro banknotes and coins from counterfeiting and related fraud. The Directorate General of Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN) commissioned Ecorys B.V. to conduct a final evaluation of the programme, in which the programme was assessed for its relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, and EU added value. Our research team concluded that the Pericles initiative has typically met the demands of stakeholders, carried out the different actions planned, and helped to the prevention and fight against euro counterfeiting and related fraud.

The Pericles 2020 initiative provides funding for staff exchanges, seminars, trainings, and research for law enforcement and judicial agencies, banks, and others involved in the fight against euro-counterfeiting. The program supports and supplements Member States’ efforts and assists competent national and Union authorities in their efforts to develop close and regular cooperation and an exchange of best practices among themselves and with the Commission, where appropriate including third countries and international organizations.

Research method

In a joint effort of Ecorys NL and Ecorys BXL, the teams conducted extensive desk research and executed scoping and expert interviews to collect as much information as possible on member state initiatives, third country collaborations and the Commission’s actions. Furthermore, the consultants drafted and distributed an online survey for all Pericles participants and performed deep dives in the form of country case studies to present a more elaborative picture on a national level. The findings were later discussed and elaborated in expert group meetings to ensure triangulation of research data. During the evaluation, our consultants undertook a comprehensive quality control process in which academic and technical experts provided their insights on the functionality and effectiveness of the Pericles programme.

Results

The research team concluded that the Pericles initiative has typically met the demands of stakeholders, carried out the different actions planned, and helped to the prevention and fight against euro counterfeiting and related fraud. It has received a lot of positive feedback from stakeholders, with over 95% rating it as good. Furthermore, it is regarded as the only program that supports, on an EU and global level, the enhancement of operational capacity of stakeholders involved in euro protection, dissemination of best practices in the fight against counterfeiting, and, most importantly, the building of trust between institutions across countries and regions. Because of all of these factors, as well as the ever-changing risks to Euro counterfeiting in terms of geography and technology, Pericles activities will continue to be required.