Article 4 Operation

The group is chaired by the Commission.

In agreement with the Commission, sub-groups may be set up to examine specific questions under terms of reference established by the group; they shall be disbanded as soon as these have been fulfilled.

Observers with specific competence on a subject on the agenda may be invited by the Chairman to participate in the group's or sub-group's deliberations if this is useful and/or necessary.

Information obtained by participating in the group's or sub-group's deliberations may not be divulged if the Commission says that this relates to confidential matters.

The group and its sub-groups normally meet on Commission premises in accordance with the procedures and schedule established by it. The Commission provides secretarial services. Commission officials with an interest in the proceedings may attend meetings of the group and its sub-groups.

The group shall adopt its rules of procedure on the basis of the standard rules of procedure adopted by the Commission^f1

The Commission may publish on the Internet site of DG Internal Market and Services, in the original language of the document concerned, any summary, conclusion, or partial conclusion or working document of the group.