The European Central Bank reported that 444,000 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in 2025, a 20% decrease from the previous year. Detected counterfeits amounted to 14 notes per million genuine banknotes in circulation, which the ECB described as one of the lowest levels since the launch of the euro. EUR 20 and EUR 50 notes remained the most commonly counterfeited denominations, accounting for about 80% of all counterfeits withdrawn (27.0% and 53.2% respectively), followed by EUR 100 (7.9%) and EUR 10 (6.4%). Most counterfeits were found in euro area countries (96.8%), with 2.2% detected in non-euro area EU Member States and 1.0% in other parts of the world. The ECB advised the public to verify authenticity using the “feel, look and tilt” method and noted that tested banknote-processing machines used by professional cash handlers are designed to identify and remove counterfeits; suspected counterfeits should be compared with a genuine note and reported to police or, depending on national practice, a national central bank or a bank.
European Central Bank 2026-02-27
European Central Bank reports 444,000 counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn in 2025, down 20%
The European Central Bank reported a 20% decrease in counterfeit euro banknotes in 2025, with 444,000 notes withdrawn from circulation. EUR 20 and EUR 50 notes were the most counterfeited, comprising 80% of all counterfeits. The ECB emphasized the importance of verifying authenticity using the “feel, look and tilt” method and advised reporting suspected counterfeits to authorities.