The introduction of the banknotes and coins will offer a further opportunity for informing European citizens about the euro and EMU in general. Open communication with many parties – from the economics professor to the members of the European Parliament and ordinary European citizens – is high on the agenda of the ECB and the Eurosystem.
Our wish is to be open, transparent and, as far as possible, predictable. This is basically the case for three reasons. First, a central bank which is understood will be more effective. Second, in a democratic society the other side of the coin of central bank independence is that the central bank should be accountable for its actions in fulfilling its mandate.