1.4.2000 Official Journal of the European Communities L 81/1 (Acts adopted pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union) COUNCIL DECISION of 27 March 2000 on the improved exchange of information to combat counterfeit travel documents (2000/261/JHA) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in partic- ular Article 34(2)(c) thereof, Having regard to the initiative of the Federal Republic of Germany (1), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (%), Whereas: (1)  Counterfeit travel documents have increased to an alarming extent. (20 A computerised image archiving and transmission system (FADO) has been set up by the Joint Action of the Council of 3 December 1998 (3). (3)  The improved exchange of information on counterfeit travel documents will make it possible to limit the coun- terfeiting of documents and thus make an effective contribution to combating crime and the smuggling of human beings. (4)  The use of standardised information collection will facili- tate and speed up the conduct of criminal proceedings. (5)  This Decision does not affect the competence of the Member States relating to the recognition of passports, travel documents, visas, or other identity documents, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 1. In order to improve further the exchange between Member States of information on false documents, a reporting system for detecting counterfeit travel documents shall be used. Its purpose shall be to: (a) make it easier to detect counterfeit travel documents on inspection, and () O] C 176, 22.6.1999, p. 1. (*) Opinion delivered on 19 November 1999 (not yet published in the Official Journal). () O] L 333, 9.12.1998, p. 4. (b) increase the effectiveness of the search for stolen travel documents,with particular attention being paid to the serial number of the travel document. 2. The exchange of information shall not include personal details. Article 2 1. The standard form set out in Annex I shall be used for the purpose of transmitting information in accordance with Article 1. 2. The central unit of each Member State shall directly and without delay exchange information with the central unit of each other Member State. It shall also notify the General Secre- tariat of the Council. Article 3 1. For the purposes of the uniform collection of information which may be required for subsequent criminal proceedings relating to counterfeit travel documents, Member States shall, as far as possible, use the questionnaire set out in Annex IL 2. Data required for criminal proceedings referred to in paragraph 1 shall be communicated to other Member States in accordance with national law and international conventions. Atrticle 4 This Decision shall enter into force three months after its publication in the Official Journal. Done at Brussels, 27 March 2000. For the Council The President F. GOMES