Business News
Open day at the European Central Bank, but not too open
By DPA
May 21, 2008, 13:29 GMT

Frankfurt - To commemorate the euro's 10th birthday, the European Central Bank announced Wednesday an open day at its office, but the safes and the desk drawers will remain shut and only 800 pre- registered visitors will be allowed in.

Even that cautious opening is unusual for the ECB, which worries that espionage could betray its monetary plans and allow speculators to make billions by betting on exchange rates with the benefit of inside knowledge.

The Frankfurt office tower, which is normally under tight security, will shepherd in the chosen visitors on June 1 to see the boardroom where the governors meet and the trading room.

The ECB came into existence with the euro on June 1, 1998. The euro is now the official currency of 15 nations. The bank is building a new glass-clad headquarters in Frankfurt as a symbol of ECB 'transparency,' but it too will be guarded and bug-proof.