Paragraph 14 Association Committee

In accordance with Article 464(1) of the Agreement, the Association Council shall be assisted in carrying out its duties by the Association Committee. The Association Committee shall be composed of representatives of the Parties, in principle at senior civil servant level.

The Association Committee shall prepare the meetings and the deliberations of the Association Council, implement the decisions of the Association Council where appropriate and ensure continuity of the association relationship and the proper functioning of the Agreement in general. The Association Committee shall consider any matter referred to it by the Association Council as well as any other matter which may arise in the course of the implementation of the Agreement. The Association Committee shall submit proposals or any draft decisions or recommendations to the Association Council for its approval. In accordance with Article 465(2) of the Agreement, the Association Council may delegate the power to take decisions to the Association Committee.

The Association Committee shall take the decisions and make the recommendations for which it has been authorised under the Agreement.

In cases where the Agreement refers to an obligation to consult or a possibility of consultation or where the Parties decide by mutual agreement to consult each other, such consultation may take place within the Association Committee, except as otherwise provided for in the Agreement. The consultation may continue in the Association Council if the Parties so agree.