They are appointed by

the European Parliament, and therefore they are only accountable to this

institution.

Despite their

extensive political independence, they must communicate in advance their

strategic plans concerning medium-term monetary policy to national authorities.

They are appointed by

the European Commission, but they are not accountable to national governments

or any other EU institution.

They are appointed by

the European Council, but they are not accountable to national governments or

any other EU institution.