Operation
Article 4
1. The group is chaired by the Commission. 2. The ‘sherpa’ sub-group will prepare the discussions, position papers and advice for actions and/or policy measures to be endorsed by the group; it will work in close contact with the Commission services. 3. The group will seek input from experts and stakeholders through ad hoc arrangements, and may set up a limited number of ad hoc groups to examine specific questions under the terms of reference established by the group; the ad hoc groups shall be disbanded as soon as these have been fulfilled. 4. The Commission may ask experts or observers with specific competence on a subject on the agenda to participate in the group or ad hoc groups’ deliberations if this is useful and/or necessary. 5. Confidential information obtained by participating in the group or ad hoc groups’ deliberations process should not be divulged. 6. The group, the ‘sherpa’ sub-group and the ad hoc groups normally meet on Commission’s premises in accordance with the procedures and schedule established by it. The Commission provides secretarial services. 7. The group will decide on the items to be included on the agenda for discussion. 8. The Commission may publish, in the original language of the document concerned, any résumé, conclusions, or partial conclusion or working document of the group.