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European Central Bank (ECB): appointment of Yves Mersch as member of the Executive Board

2012/0806(NLE)

The European Parliament decided to deliver a negative opinion on the Council recommendation for the appointment of Yves MERSCH as Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank (ECB).

Mr MERSCH’s appointment was rejected by Parliament by 325 votes to 300, with 49 abstentions.

To recap, Mr MERSCH (LU) was evaluated by the parliamentary committee in accordance with Article 238 (2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and in the light of the need for full independence of the ECB in the area of monetary policy pursuant to Article 130 TFEU. During his hearing by the competent parliamentary committee, Members considered that the nominee is of recognised standing and has the professional qualification and experience in monetary and banking matters needed to exercise the functions of a Member of the Executive Board of the ECB.

However, Parliament stresses that from the creation of the ECB, until the departure of Ms TUMPEL-GUGERELL, there had always been a female member of the Executive Board of the ECB. It considers therefore that it is necessary, irrespective of the qualities of the candidate in question, to promote a female candidate. Given that the terms of office of the current Executive Board of the ECB extends to 2018, the Executive Board is potentially void of gender diversity until that date.

Members also recall that the President of the European Parliament sent a letter to the President of the European Council on 19 September, asking him to ensure that all Union institutions under his responsibility should implement concrete measures to ensure gender balance. They also recall that, on 7 March 2011, the European Council adopted the European Pact for Gender Equality for the period 2011-2020.

As a result, Parliament has decided to deliver a negative opinion on the appointment of Yves MERSCH. It calls on the Council to withdraw its recommendation and for a new one to be submitted to Parliament.