(Approval)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the proposal of the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) of 24 September 2015 to extend the term of office of the Chairperson of the ESMA by another five-year term (C8-0315/2015),

–  having regard to Article 48(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Securities and Markets Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/77/EC(1),

–  having regard to its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A8-0346/2015),

A.  whereas the first Chairperson of the ESMA was appointed by the Board of Supervisors of the ESMA in 2011, following an open selection procedure, for a term of office of five years, in accordance with Article 48(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010;

B.  whereas Article 48(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 provides that the Board of Supervisors of the ESMA, taking into account the evaluation referred to in that provision, may extend the term of office of the Chairperson of the ESMA once, subject to confirmation by the European Parliament;

C.  whereas, on 24 September 2015, the Board of Supervisors of the ESMA proposed to extend the term of office of Steven Maijoor, the incumbent Chairperson of the ESMA, by another five-year term, and informed the European Parliament accordingly;

D.  whereas, on 17 November 2015, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs held a hearing with Steven Maijoor, the incumbent Chairperson of the ESMA, at which he made an opening statement and then responded to questions from the members of the Committee;

1.  Approves the proposal for the extension of the term of office of Steven Maijoor as Chairperson of the ESMA by another five-year term;

2.  Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council, the Commission, the ESMA and the governments of the Member States.

(1) OJ L 331, 15.12.2010, p. 84.