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.

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.

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.