At the 13 September Eurogroup, I asked euro area members to put forward candidates to succeed European Central Bank Executive Board member Benoit Coeuré, whose term ends on 31 December 2019. The call for candidates closed today.
I have received one name. Italy proposed Fabio Panetta, senior deputy governor of the Bank of Italy.
I look forward to our discussion at the next Eurogroup on 9 October, which will pave the way for a Council recommendation to the European Council. In line with the selection process established in the EU Treaty, the ECB and the European Parliament will be consulted before a final decision is taken by the European Council.
Background on process
The Eurogroup meeting of 9 October will consider and discuss the application. On the following day, the Ecofin Council is expected to adopt a recommendation to the European Council by reinforced qualified majority voting of the euro area member states.
Such majority requires 72% of euro area member states in favour (i.e., at least 14 out of the 19), representing at least 65% of the population of the euro area.
The European Council is expected to take a final decision, after having consulted the ECB and European Parliament by the end of the year.
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EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta: new Operation Commander appointed
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Today, Major General Antonio Planells Palau was appointed Operation Commander of EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta, starting on 1 October 2019. He takes command from Vice Admiral Antonio Martorell Lacave. Major General Antonio Planells Palau is currently Commandant General of the Spanish Marine Corps and has been serving in the Spanish Navy for more than 41 years.
EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta contributes to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. The operation is part of the EU's comprehensive approach for a peaceful, stable and democratic Somalia.
The operation also protects vessels of the World Food Programme and other vulnerable shipping, monitors fishing activities off the coast of Somalia and supports other EU missions and programmes in the region.
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