52003PC0385

Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 84 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, of the other part.

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. The Association Agreements form the legal basis for the European Union's relations with the countries participating in the Barcelona Process. Following the signature of the agreements with Algeria and Lebanon, the structure of the Euro-Mediterranean agreements is virtually complete; it only remains to conclude negotiations with Syria.

2. The conclusions of November 2000's Marseilles Euro-Mediterranean Conference call for the expansion of objectives and deepening of our relations with the countries of the Mediterranean in the framework of the Association Agreements. The Valencia Euro-Mediterranean Conference in April 2002 also underscored the need to strengthen implementation of the Association Agreements. This also has practical implications for the forums implementing the agreements.

3. The range of issues addressed in bilateral relations is gradually expanding and trade will develop in the direction of an overall partnership approach. That approach, if it is to be coherent, calls for continuous close coordination of the constituent parts. It also requires a change in the frequency and type of meetings. Furthermore, discussions within the implementing forums are becoming more technical as the partner countries embark on their reform programmes in preparation for the free trade area and integration into the Euro-Med single market.

4. The increasing technical complexity of the EU's relations with the southern Mediterranean countries, arising from the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean agreements and the continuation of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, requires the working of the Agreements' implementing structures to be brought into line with other international agreements concluded by the EU. Thus, subcommittees of the association committees of the other associated countries have been set up in order to monitor the implementation of the partnership priorities and the approximation of legislation.

5. The Euro-Med countries with which agreements are in force have already expressed the desire for greater cooperation in the various areas covered by the numerous provisions of the association agreements. A number of activities are currently taking place at regional level under the Barcelona Process while, at bilateral level, the Commission's departments are trying to respond to requests from these countries on a case-by-case basis.

6. The EU-Tunisia Association Agreement came into force on 1 March 1998 and provides for the establishment of a free trade area between the EU and Tunisia by 28 February 2010 at the latest. The Tunisian government is devoting increasing attention to non-trade aspects of the Association Agreement, which argues for a more structured approach to sectoral cooperation.

7. In view of the above, the Commission proposes the formal creation of six new subcommittees in addition to the committees or working parties for which provision is already made in the Association Agreement (Working Party on Social Affairs, Customs Cooperation Committee, Economic Dialogue). A subcommittee will be convened only when the need is clearly established, e.g. where relations with Tunisia in one of the sectors specified would permit progress beyond what can be achieved in the framework of cooperation at regional level.

8. The six subcommittees will be respectively entitled: i) Internal market, ii) Industry, trade and services, iii) Transport, environment and energy, iv) Research and innovation, v) Agriculture and fisheries, vi) Justice and security. In the interests of maintaining a degree of homogeneity, the subcommittee structure will be that used for all the other Euro-Med agreements and already up and running with Morocco. The activation of each subcommittee will, however, obviously depend on a country's stated or observed needs.

9. As regards their organisation, the subcommittees will be chaired by the Commission pursuant to the Council Decision of 25 March 2002. Under that Decision, the "Justice and security" subcommittee will be chaired, insofar as the EU is concerned, according to the same rules as apply to the Association Committee. In the event of discussion on subjects outside the Community's competence, a representative of the Council presidency will chair the committee and also express the position of the Member States. In the latter case, the Commission will be fully involved in discussions on the approach to be followed and the objectives to be achieved during the meeting of the subcommittee.

10. The objective, the subjects covered by each subcommittee and the implementing procedures are contained in the rules of procedure annexed. The number, tasks and rules of procedure of each subcommittee have been informally presented to the Tunisian authorities.

11. The aim of this proposal is to decide the Community position in the Association Council with a view to a decision on the creation of the six subcommittees.

Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 84 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, of the other part

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 300(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, [1]

[1] OJ C [...], [...], p. [...].

Whereas:

(1) The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, of the other part, was concluded on 26 January 2002.

(2) Article 84 of that Agreement states that the Association Council may decide to set up any working group or body necessary for the implementation of the Agreement,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The position to be adopted by the Community in the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement concluded between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, of the other part, on the implementation of Article 84 of the Agreement, shall be based on the draft Decision of the Association Council annexed to this Decision

Done at Brussels, [...]

For the Council

The President

ANNEX A

Draft

DECISION OF THE EU-TUNISIA ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

Setting up subcommittees of the Association Committee

The EU-Tunisia Association Council,

Having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, of the other part,

Whereas:

(1) A free trade area is to be established between the EU and Tunisia by 28 February 2010 at the latest.

(2) The EU's relations with the southern Mediterranean countries are becoming increasingly complex as a result of the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean agreements and the continuation of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership.

(3) Subcommittees of the Association Committees of the other associated countries have been set up in order to monitor the implementation of the partnership priorities and the approximation of legislation.

(4) Article 84 of the Agreement provides for the setting up of the working groups or bodies necessary for the implementation of the Agreement,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The subcommittees of the EU-Tunisia Association Committee listed in Annex 1 are hereby set up and the rules of procedure of those subcommittees in Annex 2 hereby adopted.

The subcommittees shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which they shall report after each of their meetings. The subcommittees shall have no decision-making power.

The Association Committee shall take any other action needed to ensure that they operate properly and inform the Association Council accordingly.

The Association Council may decide to set up further subcommittees or groups or to abolish existing subcommittees or groups.

This decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

Done at ,

For the Association Council

ANNEX 1

EU-TUNISIA ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT

SUBCOMMITTEES ATTACHED TO THE ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE

1. Internal market

2. Industry, trade and services

3. Transport, environment and energy

4. Research and innovation

5. Agriculture and fisheries

6. Justice and security

These subcommittees are additional to those directly set up by the Association Agreement: Working Party on Social Affairs, Customs Cooperation Committee, Economic Dialogue.

In view of their importance as an essential element of the Association Agreement, issues relating to democratic principles and human rights will be afforded due attention in the various forums set up under the Agreement. Should the parties so decide in the context of reinforced cooperation, these issues may also be discussed by a specific working party or subcommittee of the Association Committee.

ANNEX 2

Rules of procedure

EU-Tunisia Subcommittee No 1

Internal market

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Tunisia and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee shall have no decision-making power. It may, however, submit proposals to the Association Committee

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a - Technical regulation, metrology, accreditation, standardisation, certification, conformity assessment and market surveillance

3.b - Competition and state aid

3.c - Intellectual, industrial and commercial property rights

3.d - Public procurement

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Tunisia shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Tunisia Subcommittee No 2

Industry, trade and services

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Tunisia and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee shall have no decision-making power. It may, however, submit proposals to the Association Committee

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a - Industrial cooperation, including the administrative, regulatory and financial framework for investment and the development of SMEs, industrial modernisation and innovation policy

3.b - Trade issues

3.c - Services, including financial (banking, insurance, investment) and postal services

3.d - Tourism

3.e - Right of establishment

3.f - Data protection

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Tunisia shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Tunisia Subcommittee No 3

Transport, environment and energy

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Tunisia and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee shall have no decision-making power. It may, however, submit proposals to the Association Committee

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement and the integration of environment policy in all areas of the Association Agreement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a - Transport: including the modernisation and development of infrastructure (in particular interconnection), the opening-up of markets, security and safety in maritime and air transport, control and management of ports and airports, improvements to the multimodal system and the strengthening of regional cooperation

3.b - Environment: including building environmental protection capacity in the priority areas specified in the Short- and Medium-Term Priority Environmental Action Programme (SMAP) and integration of the environment dimension in the priority sectors of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership with a view to sustainable development

3.c - Energy: including the modernisation and development of infrastructure (in particular interconnection), the opening-up of markets, the integration of the Maghreb's electricity market, reforms and the establishment of regulatory bodies, security and safety of energy infrastructure, demand management, promotion of renewable energies, research and cooperation on data exchange

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Tunisia shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Tunisia Subcommittee No 4

Research and innovation

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Tunisia and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee shall have no decision-making power. It may, however, submit proposals to the Association Committee

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a - Development of Tunisia's material and institutional capacities in the matter of science and technology, including the use of the results of scientific and technological research by the countries' industries and SMEs

3.b - Innovation, the dissemination of knowledge and technology transfer

3.c - Electronic communication networks and services

3.d - Information technologies

3.e - Cultural cooperation and audio-visual policy

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Tunisia shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Tunisia Subcommittee No 5

Agriculture and fisheries

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Tunisia and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee shall have no decision-making power. It may, however, submit proposals to the Association Committee

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a - Agricultural and fisheries products

3.b - Agricultural cooperation and rural development

3.c - Processed agricultural products

3.d - Veterinary and phytosanitary matters

3.e - Legislation applicable to trade

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Tunisia shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Tunisia Subcommittee No 6

Justice and security

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Tunisia and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings. In case of discussion of subject matters outside the Community's competence, the subcommittee shall be chaired by a representative of the Presidency of the Council, who shall also express the position of the Member States. In the latter case, the Commission will be fully involved in discussions on the approach to be followed and the objectives to be achieved during the meeting of the subcommittee.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee shall have no decision-making power. It may, however, submit proposals to the Association Committee

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a - Cooperation on justice

3.b - Drugs

3.c - Judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters

3.d - Cooperation on combating organised crime, including trafficking in human beings, terrorism, corruption and money-laundering

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects in this context, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee, in particular as regards implementation of the regional programme.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Tunisia shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.