Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 95 and article 84 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, on one part, and the kingdom of Jordan, of the other part

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. The Association Agreement forms the legal framework governing the bilateral relations between the European Union and Jordan.

2. The conclusions of the Marseilles Conference in November 2000 emphasised the need to widen the objectives of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and strengthen our relations with the Mediterranean countries in the framework of the association agreements. The action plan adopted in the ministerial Conference in Valencia in April 2002 foresees the rationalisation of their implementation. This also entails practical implications for the institutions implementing the agreements.

3. The Association Agreement in its Article 95 provides for the creation of the necessary bodies for its implementation. Article 84 of the agreement foresees the setting up of a working party to evaluate the implementation of the provisions related to social dialogue and social co-operation ( articles 80,81,82) The institutions implementing the Euro-Mediterranean Agreements must be further developed to cope with the increasing technical complexity of the subjects in discussion. They also need to be brought into line with those of other international agreements concluded by the EU. In addition to this, the EU-Jordan bilateral relations will develop towards accomplishing an overall partnership. This requires a coherent approach, which must be ensured by continuous close co-ordination of the constituent parties.

4. An institutional structure constituted by a number of sub-committees has been set up for the implementation of the Partnership and Co-operation agreements between the EU and the Eastern European Countries. Another Euro-Med partner country, Morocco, has also developed a similar institutional framework. In addition to this, the Association Agreement already foresees the creation of a number of sub-committees to provide support to the Association Council and the Association Committee in its implementation.

5. Jordan expressed his willingness to strengthen co-operation in the various areas covered by the provisions of the Association Agreement.

6. The Association Agreement between the EU and Jordan entered into force the 1st of May 2002 and foresees the establishment of a free trade area between the EU and Jordan by the 30th of April 2014. The establishment of the free trade area will help strengthen the integration of the economic, institutional and social systems of the partner countries on the basis of agreed legal instruments.

7. In view of the above, the European Commission proposes to the Council to set up a working party for social affairs and migration as foreseen by the AA and a number of sub-committees, which will support the Association Council and Committee in the implementation of the Association Agreement. The sub-committees will discuss matter of technical level that cannot be fully dealt with in the framework of the Association Committees.

8. The 9 sub-committees we propose then will be respectively entitled: i) working party for social affairs ii)internal market, iii) industry trade and services, iv) transport, environment and energy, v) research and innovation, vi) agriculture and fisheries, vii) justice and security viii) regional co-operation and ix) customs co-operation. However, the sub-committees will only be activated subject to actual requirements expressed or existing in relation to the implementation of the EU-Jordan Association Agreement.

9. The importance of regional co-operation has frequently been stressed in the framework of the Euro-Med partnership. The new EU policy 'wider europe' provides a flexible framework for development of regional co-operation initiatives. Some of them have recently gained momentum (Agadir, Jordan-Turkey free trade area). It is specifically important for a country of Jordan's size to be part of a regional integrated area that will create the necessary economies of scale enabling investment and economic development. Moreover, Jordan has the credibility and the motivation for leading regional co-operation efforts: it will host the permanent Secretariat of the Agadir agreement and has good relations with all countries in the region including Israel. The Regional co-operation sub-committee will be in charge of co-ordination and promotion of all regional matters dealt with in Article 62 of the agreement.

10. As regards their organisation, the subcommittees will be chaired by the Commission pursuant to the Council decision of 25 March 2002. Under that decision, the "Justice and security" subcommittee will be chaired, insofar as the EU is concerned, according to the same rules as apply to the Association Committee. In the event that the subject of the discussion is outside the Community competencies a representative of the Council Presidency will chair the Committee and the position of the Member States. In the latter case, the Commission will be fully associated in the preparatory work and in the definition of the objectives of the meetings of the sub-committees.

11. The objective, the subjects covered by each sub-committee and the implementing procedures are contained in the rules of procedure annexed.

12. This proposal aims at clarifying the Community position in order to create a number of sub-committees for the implementation of the AA. The decision for the creation of the sub-committees will be announced by the EU-Jordan Association Council of the 22nd July 2003.

Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 95 and article 84 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, on one part, and the kingdom of Jordan, of the other part

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 300(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [1],

[1] OJ C , , p. .

Whereas:

(1) The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, was concluded on 24 January 2000.

(2) Article 95 of that Agreement states that the Association Council may decide to set up any working group or body necessary for the implementation of the Agreement,

(3) Article 84 of that Agreement states that a working party shall be set up by the Association Council by the end of the first year of entry into force of the agreement Article 84 of the agreement to evaluate the implementation of the provisions related to social dialogue and social co-operation ( articles 80,81,82)

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The position to be adopted by the Community in the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement concluded between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, on the implementation of Article 95 and article 84 of the Agreement, shall be based on the draft Decision of the Association Council annexed to this Decision.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

ANNEX A

Draft

DECISION OF THE EU-JORDAN ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

Setting up subcommittees of the Association Committee

The EU-Jordan Association Council,

Having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part,

Whereas:

(1) A free trade area is to be established between the EU and Jordan by 30th of April 2014 at the latest,

(2) The EU's relations with the southern Mediterranean countries are becoming increasingly complex as a result of the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean agreements and the continuation of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership,

(3) Subcommittees of the Association Committees of the other associated countries have been set up in order to monitor the implementation of the partnership priorities and the approximation of legislation,

(4) Article 95 of the Agreement provides for the setting up of the working groups or bodies necessary for the implementation of the Agreement and article 84 of the agreement provides for the setting up of a working party to evaluate the implementation of the provisions related to social dialogue and social co-operation ( articles 80,81,82)

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The subcommittees of the EU-Jordan Association Committee listed in Annex 1 are hereby set up and the rules of procedure of those subcommittees in Annex 2 hereby adopted.

The subcommittees shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which they shall report after each of their meetings. The working party for social affairs and the subcommittees shall have no decision-making power.

The Association Committee shall take any other action needed to ensure that they operate properly and inform the Association Council accordingly.

The Association Council may decide to set up further subcommittees or groups or to abolish existing subcommittees or groups.

This decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

Done at, [...]

For the Association Council

ANNEX 1

EU-JORDAN ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT

SUBCOMMITTEES ATTACHED TO THE ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE

(1) Social Affairs (working party)

(2) Internal market

(3) Industry, trade and services

(4) Transport, environment and energy

(5) Research and innovation

(6) Agriculture and fisheries

(7) Justice and security

(8) Regional Co-operation.

(9) Customs Co-operation

In view of their importance as an essential element of the Association Agreement, issues relating to democratic principles and human rights will be afforded due attention in the various forums set up under the Agreement. Should the parties so decide in the context of reinforced cooperation, these issues may also be discussed by a specific working party or subcommittee of the Association Committee.

ANNEX 2

EU-Jordan Sub-Committee Number 1

Social Affairs

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Jordan and be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee does not have any decision-making power but may submit proposals to the Association Committee.

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, co-operation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a- migration and repatriation of illegal immigrants

3.b- promotion of the role of women

3.c- improving social security system

3.d- movement of workers and equal treatment

3.e- dialogue in social matters

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Jordan shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Jordan Subcommittee No 2

Internal market

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Jordan and be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee does not have any decision-making power but may submit proposals to the Association Committee.

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, co-operation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a- Technical Regulations, metrology, accreditation, standardisation, normalisation, certification, conformity assessment, and market surveillance.

3.b- Competition law and state aid

3.c- Intellectual, industrial and commercial property rights

3.d- Public procurement

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Jordan shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Jordan Subcommittee No 3

Industry Trade and Services

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Jordan and be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee does not have any decision-making power but may submit proposals to the Association Committee.

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a- Industrial Co-operation, including business environment, SME promotion, industrial modernisation, and innovation policy ( Articles 66and 67 of the Association Agreement)

3.b- Trade Issues

3.c- Services including financial and postal.

3.d- Tourism

3.e- Right of establishment

3.f- Industrial Modernisation.

3.g- Access to finance.

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Jordan shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Jordan Subcommittee No 4

Transport, environment and energy

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Jordan and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee does not have any decision-making power but may submit proposals to the Association Committee.

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement and the integration of environment policy in all areas of the Association Agreement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a- Transport: including infrastructure modernisation and development in particular interconnections), market opening security and safety in maritime and air transport, control and management of ports and airports, improvements to the multimodal system and regional co-operation .

3.b- Environment: including building environmental protection capacity in the priority areas specified in the Short and Medium-Term Priority Environmental Action Programme (SMAP) and integration of the environment dimension in the priority sectors of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership with a view to sustainable development.

3.c- Energy: including infrastructure modernisation and development ( in particular interconnections), security and safety of energy infrastructure and transport, demand management, promotion of renewable energies, research and cooperation on data exchange, regional co-operation .

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Jordan shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Jordan Subcommittee No 5

Research and Innovation

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Jordan and be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee does not have any decision-making power but may submit proposals to the Association Committee.

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a- Development of scientific and Technological capacity especially concerning the use of RTD results by the industrial and SME sector.

3.b- Innovation, dissemination of knowledge and technology transfers.

3.c- Electronic Communication networks and services.

3.d- Information technologies

3.e- Cultural co-operation and audio-visual policies.

3.f- Networks of decentralised co-operation.

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Jordan shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Jordan Subcommittee No 6

Agriculture

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Jordan and be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee does not have any decision-making power but may submit proposals to the Association Committee.

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, co-operation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a- Agriculture Diversification

3.b- Agriculture co-operation between business, groups and organisations.

3.c- Phytosanitary rules and veterinary standards.

3.d- Integrated rural development

3.e- Agriculture and trade.

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Jordan shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Jordan Subcommittee No 7

Justice and Security

1. Composition and chair

The sub-subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission, representatives of the Government of Jordan and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties The Member States will be informed and invited to the sub-committee meetings . In the event that the subject of the discussion is outside the Community competencies a representative of the Council Presidency will chair the Committee and also express the position of the Member States. In the latter case, the Commission will be fully associated in the preparatory work and in the definition of the objectives of the meetings of the sub-committees.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee does not have any decision-making power but may submit proposals to the Association Committee.

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a- Co-operation on Justice

3.b- Judicial Co-operation in civil and criminal matters.

3.c- Co-peration in combating organised crime, including trafficking on human beings, terrorism, corruption and money laundering.

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Jordan shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Jordan Subcommittee No 8

Regional Co-operation

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Jordan and be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee does not have any decision-making power but may submit proposals to the Association Committee.

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, co-operation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a- Regional Integration Initiatives.

3.b- Development of economic infrastructures including water, energy and environment.

3.c- Regional Co-operation in issues covered by the ' justice and security ' sub-committee.

3.d- Co-ordination of regional matters from the other sub-committees.

3.e- Scientific and technological research

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Jordan shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.

Rules of procedure

EU-Jordan sub-committee number 9

Customs Co-operation

1. Composition and chair

The subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Jordan and be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.

2. Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it shall report after each meeting. The subcommittee does not have any decision-making power but may submit proposals to the Association Committee.

3. Subject matter

The subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, co-operation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.

3.a- rules of origin

3.b- general customs procedures, customs nomenclature, custom valuation

3.c- tariff regimes

3.d- customs co-operation

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.

The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

4. Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Jordan shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

5. Meetings

The subcommittee shall meet whenever circumstances require. A meeting may be convened on the basis of a request from either party, channelled through their secretary, who will pass the request onto the other party. Upon receipt of a request for a subcommittee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply within 15 working days.

In cases of particular urgency, subcommittees may be convened at shorter notice subject to the agreement of both parties. All requests to convene meetings should be in writing.

Each meeting of the subcommittee shall be held at a time and place agreed by both parties.

The meetings shall be convened by the secretary in charge in agreement with the chair. Before each meeting, the chair will be informed of the intended composition of the delegation of each party.

If both parties agree, the subcommittee may invite experts to its meetings to provide the specific information so requested.

6. Agenda of the meetings

All requests for items to be included in the subcommittee agenda shall be forwarded to the secretaries.

A provisional agenda will be drawn up by the chair for each meeting. It shall be forwarded by the secretary in charge to his or her counterpart not later than ten days before the beginning of the meeting.

The provisional agenda shall include the items in respect of which the secretaries have received a request for inclusion in the agenda no later than fifteen days before the beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation must be received by both parties at least seven days ahead of the meeting. To take account of urgent matters, these time limits may be shortened provided both parties agree.

The agenda shall be adopted by the subcommittee at the beginning of each meeting.

7. Minutes

Minutes shall be taken and agreed by both secretaries after each meeting. A copy of the minutes, including the subcommittee's proposals, shall be forwarded by the secretaries of the subcommittee to the secretaries and chair of the Association Committee.

8. Publicity

Unless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.