Legal framework

The legal framework of the European Central Bank (ECB) is set out in the Treaty on European Union, in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (Treaties), in the Protocol on the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank (ESCB/ECB Statute) annexed to the Treaties and in the rules of procedure governing the ECB, the Executive Board and the General Council. 

The ECB is an EU institution.