Brussels, 18/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) adopted an opinion on Thursday in which it considers that it has "no objection" to the appointment, from 1 June, of Greece's Lucas Papademos to the position of Vice-President of the ECB (to succeed Christian Noyer). The Governing Council "considers that the candidate proposed is a person whose authority and professional experience in monetary or banking matters are recognised", as demanded by Article 112 of the Treaty, and considers that the official title of the position should be "Vice-President of the ECB" and not "Vice President of the Board of the ECB", given that the role of Vice-President is exercised by the same person within the three decision-making bodies of the ECB.
In addition, the EP's Economic and Monetary Committee has confirmed that it was organising a public hearing with Mr. Papademos on 22 April. It will then adopt a recommendation on his appointment, that will be put to the vote in plenary on 14 May. The final decision needs ratifying by the EU Heads of State and Government.