Operation
Article 5
1. The group shall be chaired by the Commission. 2. In agreement with the Commission, sub-groups may be set up to examine specific questions under the terms of reference established by the group. Such sub-groups shall be dissolved as soon as their mandates are fulfilled. 3. The Commission’s representative may ask observers, in particular from other European countries and international organisations, or experts with specific competence on a subject on the agenda to participate in the group’s or sub-group’s deliberations as appropriate for achieving effective European cooperation. 4. Information obtained by participating in the deliberations of a group or sub-group shall not be divulged if, in the opinion of the Commission, that information relates to confidential matters. 5. The group and its sub-groups shall normally meet on Commission premises in accordance with the procedures and schedule established by it. The Commission shall provide secretarial services. Other Commission officials with an interest in the proceedings may attend meetings of the group and its sub-groups. 6. The group shall adopt its rules of procedure on the basis of the standard rules of procedure adopted by the Commission. 7. The Commission may publish in the original language of the document concerned, any summary, conclusion, or partial conclusion or working document of the group.