(Consultation)

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the Council's recommendation of 16 February 2010(1),

–   having regard to Article 283(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C7-0044/2010),

–   having regard to Rule 109 of its Rules of Procedure,

–   having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A7-0059/2010),

A.   whereas by letter of 24 February 2010 the Council consulted the European Parliament on the appointment of Vítor Constâncio as Vice-President of the European Central Bank for a term of office of eight years,

B.   whereas Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs then proceeded to evaluate the credentials of the nominee, in particular in view of the requirements laid down in Article 283(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in the light of the need for full independence of the ECB pursuant to Article 130, and whereas in carrying out this evaluation, the committee received a CV from the candidate as well as his replies to the written questionnaire that was sent out to him,

C.   whereas the committee subsequently held a two-hour hearing with the nominee on 23 March 2010, at which he made an opening statement and then responded to questions from the members of the committee,

1.  Delivers a favourable opinion to the European Council on the Council recommendation to appoint Vítor Constâncio as Vice-President of the European Central Bank;

2.  Instructs its President to forward this decision to the European Council and the Council.

(1) Not yet published in OJ.