Paragraph 14 Cooperation Committee and specialised subcommittees

In accordance with Article 269(1) of the Agreement, the Cooperation Council shall be assisted in the performance of its duties by the Cooperation Committee in areas in which the Cooperation Council has delegated powers to it. In accordance with Article 269(2) of the Agreement, the Cooperation Committee shall be composed of representatives of the Parties, in principle at senior civil servant level.

The Cooperation Committee shall prepare the meetings and the deliberations of the Cooperation Council, implement the decisions of the Cooperation Council where appropriate and ensure continuity of the association relationship and the proper functioning of the Agreement in general. The Cooperation Committee shall consider any matter referred to it by the Cooperation Council as well as any other matter which may arise in the course of the implementation of the Agreement. The Cooperation Committee shall submit proposals or any draft decisions or recommendations to the Cooperation Council for its approval. In accordance with Article 268(4) of the Agreement, the Cooperation Council may delegate any of its powers to the Cooperation Committee, including the power to take binding decisions.

The Cooperation Committee shall take decisions and make 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 Cooperation Committee, except as otherwise provided for in the Agreement. The consultation may continue in the Cooperation Council if the Parties so agree.

In accordance with Article 269(6) of the Agreement, the Cooperation Council may decide to set up specialised subcommittees or any other bodies that can assist it in carrying out its duties and shall determine the composition and duties of such subcommittees or bodies and how they shall function.

In accordance with Article 25(3) of the Agreement, the Cooperation Council shall establish a Subcommittee on Customs Cooperation.