Article 5 Representation

In order to ensure a balanced participation of relevant stakeholders in respect to each discussed product group, the Chair may invite non-member interested parties to discuss specific agenda items at certain meetings.

Each member of the Forum shall designate one person representing it at the Forum meetings and so inform the Chair. With the Chair's permission, the designated representatives may be accompanied by experts at the expense of the member. The members shall give prior notice to the Chair, at the latest two weeks before the meeting date, of the experts they wish to accompany their representatives. If the Chair does not object to the participation of the expert at the latest one week before the meeting date, the permission is considered to be granted.

A member may represent other members. The representing member shall provide evidence of the represented members' consent to the Chair in writing before the meeting.

Members shall ensure that stakeholders they represent are duly informed of the discussions in the Forum.

Members shall ensure adequate consultation of the stakeholders they represent and adopt representative opinions.