Steering Board
Article 7
1. A Steering Board for a European network of immigration liaison officers is established. 2. The Steering Board shall be composed of one representative of each Member State, two representatives of the Commission, one representative of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, one representative of Europol and one representative of EASO. To that end, each Member State shall appoint a member of the Steering Board as well as an alternate who will represent the member in his or her absence. The Steering Board members shall be appointed in particular on the basis of their relevant experience and expertise in managing liaison officer networks. 3. Countries associated with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis shall participate in the Steering Board and shall appoint one representative each as members without voting rights. They shall be allowed to express views on all issues discussed and decisions taken by the Steering Board. When taking decisions on matters that are relevant for immigration liaison officers deployed by countries associated with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis , the Steering Board shall take due account of the views expressed by the representatives of those countries. 4. Experts, representatives of national authorities, international organisations and relevant Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies who are not members of the Steering Board may be invited by the Steering Board to attend its meetings as observers. 5. The Steering Board may organise joint meetings with other networks or organisations. 6. A Commission representative shall act as the Chair of the Steering Board. The Chair shall: (a) ensure continuity and organise the work of the Steering Board, including supporting the preparation of the biennial work programme and biennial report on the activities; (b) advise the Steering Board in ensuring that the collective activities agreed are consistent and coordinated with relevant Union instruments and structures and reflect the priorities of the Union in the area of migration; (c) convene meetings of the Steering Board. To achieve the objectives of the Steering Board, the Chair shall be assisted by a Secretariat. 7. The Steering Board shall meet at least twice a year. 8. The Steering Board shall adopt decisions by an absolute majority of its members with voting rights. 9. Decisions adopted by the Steering Board shall be communicated to the relevant immigration liaison officers by the respective deploying authorities.