Article 24 Administrative arrangements and other matters

For the purpose of fulfilling its mission, the Agency may enter into administrative arrangements with third countries, organisations and entities. Such arrangements shall notably cover:

In so doing, the Agency shall respect the single institutional framework and the decision-making autonomy of the EU. Each such arrangement shall be concluded by the Steering Board upon approval by the Council acting by unanimity.

The Agency shall develop close working relations with the relevant elements of OCCAR and with those established under the LoI Framework Agreement, with a view to incorporating those elements or assimilating their principles and practices in due course, as appropriate and by mutual agreement.

Reciprocal transparency and coherent developments in the field of capabilities shall be ensured by the application of CDM procedures. Other working relations between the Agency and relevant NATO bodies shall be defined through an administrative arrangement referred to in paragraph 1, in full compliance with the established framework of cooperation and consultation between the EU and NATO.

Within the framework of arrangements referred to in paragraph 1, the Agency shall be entitled to establish working relations with organisations and entities other than those referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3, with a view to facilitating their possible participation in projects and programmes.

Within the framework of arrangements referred to in paragraph 1, the Agency shall be entitled to establish working relations with third countries, with a view to facilitating their possible participation in specific projects and programmes.

The former non-EU members of the Western European Armaments Group shall be provided with the fullest possible transparency regarding the Agency’s specific projects and programmes with a view to their participation therein as appropriate. A consultative committee shall be set up for this purpose, and in order to provide a forum for exchanging views and information on matters of common interest falling within the scope of the Agency’s mission. It shall be chaired by the Chief Executive or his/her representative. It shall include a representative of each participating Member State and a representative of the Commission, and representatives of the former non-EU WEAG members in accordance with arrangements to be agreed with them.

Upon request, other non-EU European NATO members may also participate in the Consultative Committee referred to in paragraph 6, in accordance with arrangements to be agreed with them.

The Consultative Committee referred to in paragraph 6 may also serve as a forum for dialogue with other third parties on specific matters of mutual interest within the Agency’s remit, and may serve to ensure that they are kept fully informed of developments in matters of common interest and of opportunities for future cooperation.