Article 4

The Committee, which shall meet at least once a year, shall hold an exchange of views on the basis of the reports referred to in Article 3 in order to facilitate, where necessary, future cooperation amongst the Member States in pursuit of the objectives referred to in Article 2.

At the request of the Commission or a Member State, the Committee shall also discuss any matter which may be of interest to a number of Member States.

The Committee shall also advise the Commission on any question on which the latter has requested an opinion.

The information and consultations provided for in this Decision shall be covered by professional secrecy.