Sept. 24 - The vice president of the European Commission, Antonio Tajani, is in Sofia to underscore the damage caused by counterfeiting and discuss the European Commission’s policies for the construction industry, during the conference "Prospects and challenges for construction in Europe under the new 2014-2020 programming period." Tajani will also receive the honorary member certificate from the Journalists’ Club against Corruption, in recognition of his initiative at the Community level for the campaign against counterfeiting. Tajani will present to representatives of government institutions, local governments and companies the "No counterfeiting" campaign and its instruments to help the construction industry. "When I became aware for the first time of the counterfeiting problem, together with the Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier - said Tajani - I was shocked to learn of the extent of the damage it causes to individuals and society. Fighting corruption and counterfeiting are two aspects of the struggle for a decent, moral and just society. Through this EC campaign against counterfeiting, we aim to change attitudes, give a twist to this wave of global crime, and ultimately protect our health and economies."

COUNTERFEITING
The spread of counterfeit products and the growth of corruption are the main obstacles to economic growth. The United Nations estimated that the total volume of trade in fake goods amounts to more than € 200 billion per year, equivalent to the volume of drug trafficking. Counterfeit products are competing unfairly against genuine products, representing a high risk to profit margins and the survival of European companies, putting at risk many jobs in Europe. Small and medium-sized enterprises, on which the European economy depends for employment prospects, have less power to prevent counterfeiting and corruption and are therefore particularly sensitive to the adverse effects of both. In addition to harming businesses, fake goods may also pose a risk to consumers' health, since their production is not regulated by EU laws on health and safety. Counterfeiters also avoid paying taxes or custom duties, limiting state revenues and weighing on the shoulders of taxpayers. The campaign "No counterfeiting" aims to promote closer cooperation between the European Commission, national authorities and trade associations, to stop the production and circulation of fake goods. It also aims to increase the awareness of European citizens on the negative effects of counterfeit goods, and remind them that they have the power to fight this activity through their own actions and choices.