Decision (EU) 2015/716 of the European Central BankShow full title

Decision (EU) 2015/716 of the European Central Bank

of 12 February 2015

amending Decision ECB/2004/2 adopting the Rules of Procedure of the European Central Bank (ECB/2015/8)

THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,

Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank (hereinafter the ‘Statute of the ESCB’), and in particular Article 12.3 thereof,

Whereas:

(1) It is appropriate to adapt the rules governing the decision-making process of the Governing Council by means of written procedure, as further defined in Articles 13g, 13h and 13i of the Rules of Procedure of the European Central Bank, to cater for the specific needs of the non-objection procedure pursuant to Article 26(8) of Council Regulation (EU) No 1024/2013(1).

(2) As regards a written procedure within the scope of Articles 13g to 13i of the Rules of Procedure of the European Central Bank and subject to the specific deadlines established therein, it is appropriate to set a maximum of 5 working days for consideration by every member of the Governing Council in order to enable the members of the Governing Council, in accordance with Article 26(8) of Regulation (EU) No 1024/2013, to reach agreement on any possible objection, including the written explanation, to a draft decision within a time period not exceeding 10 working days.

(3) Article 10.2 of the Statute of the ESCB requires the members of the Governing Council to exercise their right to vote in person. This is an important element of the independence of the members of the Governing Council, since they are members ex officio and may not be replaced in casting their vote by another person, unless the member is prevented from attending meetings for a prolonged period within the meaning of Article 10.2 of the Statute of the ESCB. A vote or comment on substance by a member of the Governing Council which is then transmitted electronically as part of Governing Council decision-making by means of written procedure does not need to bear the physical signature of this member of the Governing Council. This is in line with the requirements of Article 10.2 of the Statute of the ESCB.

(4) In cases where the electronic submission of a vote or comments by a member of the Governing Council is not feasible, such member of the Governing Council may expressly authorise another person to sign the vote or comments on substance. Such signature by the authorised person merely confirms that this is the vote or comments expressed by the respective Governing Council member in person.

(5) Decision ECB/2004/2(2) should be amended to take these developments into account,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

(1)

Council Regulation (EU) No 1024/2013 of 15 October 2013 conferring specific tasks on the European Central Bank concerning policies relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions (OJ L 287, 29.10.2013, p. 63).

(2)

Decision ECB/2004/2 of 19 February 2004 adopting the Rules of Procedure of the European Central Bank (OJ L 80, 18.3.2004, p. 33).