The Urgent Need for a Review of the ECB's Monetary Policy Strategy: Towards an Institutional Review

It has been sixteen years since the European Central Bank has undertaken a review of its monetary policy. In the intervening time, the world – and the economic challenges facing the ECB – have changed immensely. This paper argues that a review is overdue but that it should not be limited to policies; instead, an institutional review is needed. This would consist of a backward-looking assessment of outcomes versus mandates, coupled with a forward-looking scenario planning exercise. This document was provided by Policy Department A for the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

It has been sixteen years since the European Central Bank has undertaken a review of its monetary policy. In the intervening time, the world – and the economic challenges facing the ECB – have changed immensely. This paper argues that a review is overdue but that it should not be limited to policies; instead, an institutional review is needed. This would consist of a backward-looking assessment of outcomes versus mandates, coupled with a forward-looking scenario planning exercise. This document was provided by Policy Department A for the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.