Article 27 Joint Technical Secretariat and branch offices

The participating countries may decide to set up a Joint Technical Secretariat to be described in the programme in accordance with Article 4.

The Joint Technical Secretariat shall assist the Managing Authority, the Joint Monitoring Committee and, where relevant, the Audit Authority, in carrying out their respective functions. In particular, it shall inform potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under programmes and shall assist beneficiaries in the project implementation. It may also be appointed as intermediate body referred to in Article 20(3).

Following a decision of the participating countries, branch offices may be set up in the participating countries. Their role shall be described in the programme and may include communication, information, assistance to the Managing Authority in the project evaluation and implementation follow-up. In no event, may the branch office be entrusted with a task involving exercise of public authority or the use of discretionary powers of judgment regarding projects.

The technical assistance budget shall finance the operation of the Joint Technical Secretariat and branch offices.