15242. The European Central Bank. This report provides an overview and analysis of problems and prospects for the European Central Bank (ECB). The analysis begins with a discussion of the background and history of European economic and monetary union (EMU), which served as the foundation for the establishment of the ECB. The next section examines the organizational structure, objectives, and operations of the ECB, including consideration of its role within the European Central Banking System (ESCB) and its relationship with the national central banks of the EMU member states. Another section looks closely at the benefits and drawbacks of the EMU/euro membership, considering the Danish and British opposition to membership and the desire among many Central and Eastern European countries to join. A final section considers the future prospects for the ECB and EMU, examining some of the major challenges facing the ECB over the short- and long-term. KEYWORDS: EU banking sector european central bank. APA Style. 20 pages, 59 footnotes, 25 bibliographic references.