Brussels, 24/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 23 February, the Commission adopted a new report on the implementation of the framework decision of May 2001 on the fight against fraud and counterfeiting of non-cash forms of payment. This framework decision was a first response to fraud and counterfeiting involving non-cash forms of payment, in whatever form, so that they become criminal offences in all Member States. This second report was based on information provided by Member States to the Commission, which notes that the information provided by those States which responded was generally exhaustive. Member States which did not make a submission to the Commission at the time of the first report or which submitted incomplete information have sent the Commission details of all their national legislation and supporting information. A Commission expert was pleased to note that the majority of Member States were conforming to the framework decision, in terms of definitions related to payment instruments, offences related to the use of information and involvement in, incitement to and attempted offences. Luxemburg and Greece replied that draft legislation was still being examined by their Parliaments. Five Member States who joined the EU on 1st May 2004 (Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia) submitted the text of arrangements transposing the requirements of the framework decision into their national law. Three other States (Cyprus, Estonia and Hungary) sent the Commission a list of national legislation without supplying texts or explanations. Currently, only Malta and Slovenia have not responded to the Commission. “We deeply regret that these seven countries have either not submitted all of their legislation or not responded to our request,” commented the Commission expert. Countries which have not responded within the timescale can still be granted an extension by the European Commission. If no response is received, the Council of the EU could take up the issue. The main aim of harmonisation is to facilitate the work of national police forces and Interpol in this very sensitive area for the economy of the European Union.