Proposal for a Council Decision on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 84 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, of the other part.
Date: 2003-07-02
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Tunisia, association agreement (EU), joint body (EU), operation of the Institutions

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 2.7.2003
COM(2003) 385 final

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of
Article 84 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between
the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic
of Tunisia, of the other part

.

(presented by the Commission)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

The Association Agreements form the legal basis for the European Union’s relations
with the countries participating in the Barcelona Process. Following the signature of
the  agreements  with  Algeria  and  Lebanon,  the  structure  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean
agreements is virtually complete; it only remains to conclude negotiations with Syria.

The  conclusions  of  November  2000’s  Marseilles  Euro-Mediterranean  Conference
call for the expansion of objectives and deepening of our relations with the countries
of the Mediterranean in the framework of the Association Agreements. The Valencia
Euro-Mediterranean  Conference  in  April  2002  also  underscored  the  need  to
strengthen  implementation  of  the  Association  Agreements.  This  also  has  practical
implications for the forums implementing the agreements.

The range of issues addressed in bilateral relations is gradually expanding and trade
will develop in the direction of an overall partnership approach. That approach, if it
is to be coherent, calls for continuous close coordination of the constituent parts.  It
also  requires  a  change  in  the  frequency  and  type  of  meetings.  Furthermore,
discussions  within  the  implementing  forums  are  becoming  more  technical  as  the
partner  countries  embark  on  their  reform  programmes  in  preparation  for  the  free
trade area and integration into the Euro-Med single market.

The  increasing  technical  complexity  of  the  EU’s  relations  with  the  southern
Mediterranean countries, arising from the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean
agreements and the continuation of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, requires the
working  of  the  Agreements’  implementing  structures  to  be  brought  into  line  with
other  international  agreements  concluded  by  the  EU.  Thus,  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.

The Euro-Med countries with which agreements are in force have already expressed
the  desire  for  greater  cooperation  in  the  various  areas  covered  by  the  numerous
provisions of the association agreements. A number of activities are currently taking
place  at  regional  level  under  the  Barcelona  Process  while,  at  bilateral  level,  the
Commission’s departments are trying to respond to requests from these countries on
a case-by-case basis.

The  EU-Tunisia  Association  Agreement  came  into  force  on  1  March  1998  and
provides  for  the  establishment  of  a  free  trade  area  between  the  EU  and  Tunisia  by
28 February 2010  at  the  latest.  The  Tunisian  government  is  devoting  increasing
attention to non-trade aspects of the Association Agreement, which argues for a more
structured approach to sectoral cooperation.

In  view  of  the  above,  the  Commission  proposes  the  formal  creation  of  six  new
subcommittees in addition to the committees or working parties for which provision
is  already  made  in  the  Association  Agreement  (Working  Party  on  Social  Affairs,
Customs  Cooperation  Committee,  Economic  Dialogue).  A  subcommittee  will  be
convened only when the need is clearly established, e.g. where relations with Tunisia
in one of the sectors specified would permit progress beyond what can be achieved in
the framework of cooperation at regional level.

2

8.

9.

10.

11.

The six subcommittees will be respectively entitled: i) Internal market, ii) Industry,
trade  and  services,  iii)  Transport,  environment  and  energy,  iv)  Research  and
innovation, v) Agriculture and  fisheries,  vi)  Justice  and  security.  In  the  interests  of
maintaining a  degree  of  homogeneity,  the  subcommittee  structure  will  be  that  used
for  all  the  other  Euro-Med  agreements  and  already  up  and  running  with  Morocco.
The activation of each subcommittee will, however, obviously depend on a country’s
stated or observed needs.

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 of
discussion on subjects outside the Community’s competence, 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  involved  in
discussions on the approach to be followed and the objectives to be achieved during
the meeting of the subcommittee.

The  objective,  the  subjects  covered  by  each  subcommittee  and  the  implementing
procedures are contained in the rules of procedure annexed. The number,  tasks  and
rules  of  procedure  of  each  subcommittee  have  been  informally  presented  to  the
Tunisian authorities.

The  aim  of  this  proposal  is  to  decide  the  Community  position  in  the  Association
Council with a view to a decision on the creation of the six subcommittees.

3

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of
Article 84 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between
the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic
of Tunisia, 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

Whereas:

(1) 

(2) 

The  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  establishing  an  Association  between 
the
European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of
Tunisia, of the other part, was concluded on 26 January 2002.

Article 84 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,

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  Republic  of  Tunisia,  of  the  other  part,  on  the
implementation of Article  84 of  the  Agreement,  shall  be  based  on  the  draft  Decision  of  the
Association Council annexed to this Decision

Done at Brussels, […]

1

OJ C […], […], p. […].

For the Council
The President

4

                                                
ANNEX A

Draft

DECISION OF THE EU-TUNISIA ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

Setting up subcommittees of the Association Committee

The EU-Tunisia 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 Republic of Tunisia,
of the other part,

Whereas:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

A free trade area is to be established between the EU and Tunisia by 28 February 2010
at the latest.

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.

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.

Article  84  of  the  Agreement  provides  for  the  setting  up  of  the  working  groups  or
bodies necessary for the implementation of the Agreement,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The subcommittees  of  the  EU-Tunisia  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  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

5

ANNEX 1

EU-TUNISIA ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT

SUBCOMMITTEES ATTACHED TO THE ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Internal market

Industry, trade and services

Transport, environment and energy

Research and innovation

Agriculture and fisheries

Justice and security

These  subcommittees  are  additional  to  those  directly  set  up  by  the  Association  Agreement:
Working Party on Social Affairs, Customs Cooperation Committee, Economic Dialogue.

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.

6

ANNEX 2

Rules of procedure

EU-Tunisia Subcommittee No 1

Internal market

1.

Composition and chair

The  subcommittee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  European  Commission  and
representatives  of  the  Government  of  Tunisia  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  shall  have  no  decision-making  power.  It
may, however, 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 -

Technical 
conformity assessment and market surveillance

regulation,  metrology,  accreditation,  standardisation,  certification,

3.b -

Competition 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 Tunisia shall
act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

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

7

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.

8

Rules of procedure

EU-Tunisia Subcommittee No 2

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  Tunisia  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  shall  have  no  decision-making  power.  It
may, however, 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  cooperation,  including  the  administrative,  regulatory  and  financial
framework  for  investment  and  the  development  of  SMEs,  industrial  modernisation
and innovation policy

3.b -

Trade issues

3.c -

Services, including financial (banking, insurance, investment) and postal services

3.d -

Tourism

3.e -

Right of establishment

3.f -

Data protection

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 Tunisia shall
act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

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

9

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.

10

Rules of procedure

EU-Tunisia Subcommittee No 3

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  Tunisia  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  shall  have  no  decision-making  power.  It
may, however, 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 -

3.b -

3.c -

Transport:  including  the  modernisation  and  development  of  infrastructure  (in
particular  interconnection),  the  opening-up  of  markets,  security  and  safety  in
maritime  and  air  transport,  control  and  management  of  ports  and  airports,
improvements  to  the  multimodal  system  and  the  strengthening  of  regional
cooperation

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 
to  sustainable
development

the  Euro-Mediterranean  Partnership  with  a  view 

Energy: including the modernisation and development of infrastructure (in particular
interconnection),  the  opening-up  of  markets,  the  integration  of  the  Maghreb’s
electricity  market,  reforms and the establishment  of  regulatory  bodies,  security  and
safety  of  energy  infrastructure,  demand  management,  promotion  of  renewable
energies, research and cooperation on data exchange

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.

11

4.

Secretariat

An official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Tunisia 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.

12

Rules of procedure

EU-Tunisia Subcommittee No 4

Research and innovation

1.

Composition and chair

The  subcommittee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  European  Commission  and
representatives  of  the  Government  of  Tunisia  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  shall  have  no  decision-making  power.  It
may, however, 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  Tunisia’s  material  and  institutional  capacities  in  the  matter  of
science  and  technology,  including  the  use  of  the  results  of  scientific  and
technological research by the countries’ industries and SMEs

3.b -

Innovation, the dissemination of knowledge and technology transfer

3.c -

Electronic communication networks and services

3.d -

Information technologies

3.e -

Cultural cooperation and audio-visual policy

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 Tunisia shall
act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

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

13

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.

14

Rules of procedure

EU-Tunisia Subcommittee No 5

Agriculture and fisheries

1.

Composition and chair

The  subcommittee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  European  Commission  and
representatives  of  the  Government  of  Tunisia  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  shall  have  no  decision-making  power.  It
may, however, 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 -

Agricultural and fisheries products

3.b -

Agricultural cooperation and rural development

3.c -

Processed agricultural products

3.d -

Veterinary and phytosanitary matters

3.e -

Legislation applicable to 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 Tunisia shall
act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

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

15

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.

16

Rules of procedure

EU-Tunisia Subcommittee No 6

Justice and security

1.

Composition and chair

The  subcommittee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  European  Commission  and
representatives  of  the  Government  of  Tunisia  and  shall  be  chaired  alternately  by  the  two
parties.  The  Member  States  will  be  informed  and  invited  to  the  subcommittee  meetings.  In
case of discussion of subject matters outside the Community’s competence, the subcommittee
shall be chaired by a representative of the Presidency of the Council, who shall also express
the position of the Member States. In the latter case, the Commission will be fully involved in
discussions  on  the  approach  to  be  followed  and  the  objectives  to  be  achieved  during  the
meeting of the subcommittee.

2.

Role

The subcommittee shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which it
shall  report  after  each  meeting.  The  subcommittee  shall  have  no  decision-making  power.  It
may, however, 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 -

Cooperation on justice

3.b -

Drugs

3.c -

Judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters

3.d -

Cooperation  on  combating  organised  crime,  including  trafficking  in  human  beings,
terrorism, corruption and money-laundering

The  above  list  is  not  exhaustive  and  other  subjects  in  this  context,  including  horizontal
matters, e.g. statistics, may  be added by the Association Committee,  in particular  as regards
implementation of the regional programme.

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 Tunisia shall
act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

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

17

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.

18