Paragraph 14 Joint Committee

In accordance with Article 82 of the Agreement, the Joint Council shall be assisted in the performance of its duties by the Joint Committee. The Joint Committee shall be composed of representatives of the Parties, in principle at senior official level.

The Joint Committee shall prepare the meetings and deliberations of the Joint Council, implement the decisions of the Joint Council where appropriate and, in general, ensure continuity of the relationship and the proper functioning of the Agreement. It shall consider any matter referred to it by the Joint Council as well as any other matter that may arise in the course of the implementation of the Agreement. It shall submit proposals or any draft decisions or recommendations to the Joint Council for its approval.

The Joint Committee shall take decisions and make recommendations where it is empowered to do so by the Agreement. In accordance with Article 82(4) of the Agreement, the Joint Council may empower the Joint Committee to take decisions.

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 Joint Committee, except as otherwise specified in the Agreement. The consultation may continue in the Joint Council if the Parties so agree.