Operation
Article 5
1. The HLSG shall be chaired by a representative of the Commission. 2. The Commission's representative chairing the HLSG may ask experts with specific competence on a subject on the agenda to participate in the HLSG or sub-group's discussion if this is useful or necessary. In addition, the Commission's representative may give observer status to individuals, organisations as defined in Rule 8(3) of the horizontal rules on expert groups and candidate countries. 3. Members and their representatives, as well as invited experts and observers, shall comply with the obligations of professional secrecy laid down by the Treaties and their implementing rules, as well as with the Commission's rules on security regarding the protection of EU classified information, laid down in the Annex to Commission Decisions (EU, Euratom) 2015/443 ( 7 ) and 2015/444 ( 8 ) . Should they fail to respect these obligations, the Commission may take all appropriate measures. 4. The HLSG shall normally meet on Commission premises. The Commission shall provide the secretariat of the HLSG. Other Commission officials with an interest in the proceedings may attend meetings of the group. 5. The HLSG shall adopt its rules of procedure on the basis of the standard rules of procedure for expert groups adopted by the Commission. 6. All relevant documents (such as agendas, minutes and participants' submissions) shall be made available either in the Register of expert groups or via a link from the Register to a dedicated website, where information can be found. Exceptions to publication shall be made in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 9 ) .