Paragraph 5 Meetings of the Joint Committee

The Joint Committee shall meet as and when necessary, in principle once a year.

The Chair shall convene, after consultation with the Parties, the meeting of the Joint Committee at a mutually agreed time and place. If the Parties so agree, telephone and video conferences may also be held.

The Chair shall convene a special session of the Joint Committee at the request of either the European Union or Switzerland.

The Joint Committee shall meet within 15 calendar days of a request under Article 22(2) of the Agreement.

The Joint Committee shall meet in Brussels or in Switzerland, depending on the Party that holds the chairmanship, unless the Parties agree otherwise.

The Chair shall send the notice regarding the convening of the meeting, together with the draft agenda and the documents for the meeting, to the representatives of the Parties at least 21 calendar days before the meeting. Documents for meetings convened in accordance with Article 22(2) of the Agreement shall be sent at least seven calendar days before the meeting.

The Chair may, in agreement with the Parties, shorten the time limits indicated in paragraph 3 in order to take account of the requirements of a particular matter.

At least seven calendar days before each meeting, the Chair shall be informed of the composition of the delegation of each Party.

Meetings of the Joint Committee shall not be public unless the Parties decide otherwise.