The problems I have just set out highlight the crucial importance of a principle which the founders of the Eurosystem were keen to safeguard: the independence of the ECB, and of its governors. If the governments decide to mandate the ECB with additional tasks, this basic principle still applies, as long as the treaty is not changed.
Thus, if the ECB is mandated with banking supervision, the Governing Council of the ECB will be the one deciding on all relevant supervisory matters, as long as there are no changes in primary law. This implies that – following a common principle of reason – those responsible for a decision need to be able to shape that decision.