Jean-Claude Trichet , former Governor of the Banque de France and President of the European Central Bank , in his interview for the Historical Archives of the EU ( HAEU ), highlighted the pivotal role played by the decision of the Heads of State to establish the Committee of Central Bankers , chaired by Jacques Delors . This committee , formed in response to the Commission ’ s proposals on the creation of a financial area , became instrumental in the decision-making process embedded in the Treaty of Maastricht . The conclusion of the Delors committee rendered the decision on the single currency irreversible .
Parliament was not central to this process but it was kept closely informed by President Delors . It made its voice heard through several resolutions , expressing full support for the project and its timeline , while also being critical on certain aspects of the project .
Christa Randzio-Plath , MEP , Chair of the Sub-committee on Monetary Affairs and later of the Economic and Monetary Committee , in the interview held at the HAEU , emphasised Parliament ’ s crucial role in communicating with citizens , particularly given the contentious nature of monetary union in most citizens ’ minds , especially in Germany .
I had to persuade not only the public about the role and importance of this next step for European integration , for deepening the integration and putting closer together the Member States of the European Union , but it was also important to lead this committee in a way which made the Parliament a really knowledgeable and decisive place , and on the other hand , to contribute also to the better implementation and acceptance of the monetary union … and I was hated by a lot of people , being in favour of monetary union . But if you
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