Article 5 Operation

The group elects a chairperson and two vice-chairpersons from its members by a simple majority.

In agreement with the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, sub-groups may be set up to examine specific questions under terms of reference established by the group. Such groups shall be dissolved as soon as their mandates are fulfilled. Sub-groups shall be composed of up to seven members from the members of the group or from the pool list referred to in Article 4(3).

The Commission’s representative may ask experts or observers with specific competence on a subject on the agenda to participate in the group’s or sub-group’s deliberations if this is useful or necessary.

Information obtained by participating in the deliberations of a group or sub-group shall not be divulged if, in the opinion of the Commission, that information relates to confidential matters.

The group and its sub-groups shall normally meet on Commission premises in accordance with the procedures and schedule established by it. The Commission shall provide secretarial services. Other 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, in the original language of the document concerned, the agenda, the minutes, any summary, conclusion, or partial conclusion or working document of the group.