The
ECB, as envisioned by the Treaty of Maastricht, would be created to oversee performance of economic policy and exchange rate policy tasks conferred on the European System of Central Banks. The
ECB would have the exclusive right to issue bank-notes within the European Community. The national central banks would be the sole subscribers to and holders of the capital of the
ECB. The funding formula for the
ECB would be based both on a Member State's population and on its gross domestic product. The
ECB will form, together with the national central banks, the European System of Central Banks.
See: Maastricht Treaty