Article 1
Open ↗The Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1696 is amended as follows: (1) in Rule IV, the first paragraph is replaced by the following: ‘The deliberations of the selection panel shall be confidential and shall take place in camera . When the hearing of the candidates takes place via videoconference, the selection panel may deliberate using the same means of communication. The selection panel shall ensure equal treatment of candidates. The meetings of the selection panel shall be valid only if at least nine members are present.’. (2) Rule VI is amended as follows: (a) in point 1, the first paragraph is replaced by the following: ‘Upon receipt of the candidates’ applications, the selection panel shall review the applications with regard to the requirements set out in Article 14(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, as further specified in the vacancy notice. Candidates who do not meet the eligibility requirements shall be excluded from the next steps of the procedure. The selection panel shall rank candidates who fulfil the requirements according to their qualifications and experience, on the basis of the documentation and information provided in the application or produced following a request pursuant to Rule V. A sufficient number of the highest ranked candidates shall be heard by the selection panel to enable it to establish the shortlist referred to in Rule VII(1). The hearing shall take place in person or, upon a reasoned decision of the selection panel, either on its own initiative or at the request of the candidate, via videoconference. Before the selection panel decides on its own initiative to conduct a hearing via videoconference, it shall allow the candidate to state his or her views.’; (b) in point 2, the first paragraph is replaced by the following: ‘Upon receipt of the nominations, the selection panel shall review them with regard to the requirements set out in Article 16(1) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1939. The selection panel shall hear the candidates nominated. The hearing shall take place in person or, upon a reasoned decision of the selection panel, either on its own initiative or at the request of the candidate, via videoconference. Before the selection panel decides on its own initiative to conduct a hearing via videoconference, it shall allow the candidate to state his or her views.’.