France
Germany's Steinbrueck backs ECB's independence
German finance minister Peer Steinbrueck said Wednesday 7 February that the independence of the European Central Bank, which has received criticism from some French politicians, must be respected.
Germany's Steinbrueck defends 'sacrosanct' ECB
German Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck insisted Tuesday 30 January that European Central Bank independence was "sacrosanct" amid calls from some politicians for a more accountable ECB.
ECB won't tolerate being a political football
According to this article from Reuters, published Wednesday 24 January, the European Central Bank has mounted its strongest defence so far against recent attacks on its independence from politicians.
Noyer says no conflict on price stability, growth
Bank of France governor and ECB governing council member Christian Noyer told the Liberation newspaper on Tuesday 23 January current monetary conditions are favourable for growth and there is no conflict between price stability and economic growth.
Bini Smaghi says ECB rate may rise further
ECB board member Lorenzo Bini Smaghi told La Repubblica in an interview published Tuesday 23 January that the ECB's rate is "still accommodating" and may have to rise further if growth expectations are confirmed to avoid excess liquidity.
Merkel worried by debate on ECB independence
German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke out on economic issues in an interview Saturday 13 January, defending the independence of the European Central Bank against euro critics and calling for closer ties with the US.
Germany's Steinbrueck defends ECB independence
Germany said Thursday 11 January it would not put up with any change in the independence of the European Central Bank.
Bank of Slovenia joins Central Bank Gold Agreement
The central bank of Slovenia has joined the Central Bank Gold Agreement which limits gold sales by central banks, the European Central Bank said Friday 22 December.
Spain says ECB 'independent and professional'
Spanish economy minister Pedro Solbes told Reuters on Wednesday 20 December Spain supports the European Central Bank's policy and is in a different position to France.
Bank of France sees rebound in Q4
The French economy will bounce back in the last three months of 2006 after stalling in the third quarter, according to a Bank of France survey released on Wednesday 13 December.
Villepin wants clarification of ECB role
French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin called on Monday 12 December to "clarify the roles" of European Central Bank (ECB), amid talk regarding the recent high levels of the euro.
Europe's new large-value payment system on target
Europe's new large-value payment system is on schedule to go live in 2007 says the European Central Bank in its third annual report on TARGET2.
Iran's Sheybani hails cooperation with Europe
Iran's central bank governor Ebrahim Sheybani on Friday 17 November praised the good cooperation between Iranian and European banks.
Noyer: Does money matter? A European perspective
In the speech 'Does money matter? A European perspective' given on 9 November Christian Noyer of the Bank of France said euro zone money supply growth may remain strong because of a structural increase in the demand for money.
IMF's Leipold says France can do better
Despite a positive assessment of France's economic performance and policies, the country "needs to do better" the IMF said.
France's Breton hopes for ECB rate pause
French finance minister Thierry Breton said in an interview published Wednesday 25 October he hopes for a halt to interest rate hikes by the European Central Bank next year.
Noyer says ECB rate rise was necessary for prices
Bank of France governor Christian Noyer speaking on French radio on Friday 6 October defended the European Central Bank's decision to raise interest rates, saying it was necessary to curb inflation.
Bank of France - Annual Report 2005
According to the Bank of France's Annual Report 2005, in 2005, France posted economic growth of 1.4%, compared with 2.1% in 2004.
France's Breton says sharp ECB hikes not needed
France's Finance Minister Thierry Breton said in an interview there is no need for the European Central Bank to continue raising interest rates much above the current 3.0 pct level.
Comment: Developments in July
Here is a quick look back at development affecting central bank in month of July.
Noyer concerned over oil, house prices
Bank of France governor Christian Noyer voiced concern in an interview with Le Figaro over the high level of oil prices and the recent strong rise in French house prices.
Comment: Noyer takes Kroes to task
The Bank of France governor, Christian Noyer, said on 18 July that the European Commission is "playing a very dangerous game" in attempting to break open the European credit card market. How legitimate are his concerns?
Noyer on central bank dilemmas under uncertainty
In the speech 'Central bankers' dilemmas under uncertainty' given on 5 June Christian Noyer of the Bank of France said a rule will sometimes ignore information that may be relevant for predicting future risks to price stability.
Euro membership not good for all, study says
According to this article published Monday 26 June, a new report from the CEPR claims Britain and other European economies have little to gain from adopting the euro now.