Proposal for a Council Decision on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 73 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, on one part, and the State of Israel, on the other part
Date: 2003-11-13
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Association Council (EU), committee (EU), operation of the Institutions, rules of procedure

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 13.11.2003
COM(2003) 693 final

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of
Article 73 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between
the European Communities and their Member States, on one part, and the State
of Israel, on the other part

.

(presented by the Commission)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

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

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.

In Article 73 the Association Agreement provides for the setting up of the necessary
bodies for its implementation. 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-Israel  bilateral  relations  will  develop  towards  accomplishing  an  overall
partnership. This requires a coherent approach, which must be ensured by continuous
close coordination of the constituent parties.

An institutional structure constituted by a number of subcommittees has been set up
for the implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements between the
EU  and  the  Eastern  European  countries.  Other  Euro-Mediterranean  partners  have
been  asked  to  set  up  a  similar  institutional  framework.  In  addition  to  this,  the
Association Agreement already foresees the creation of a number of subcommittees
to provide support to the Association Council and the Association Committee in its
implementation (Customs Cooperation Committee, economic dialogue, etc.).

Israel expressed its willingness to strengthen cooperation in the various areas covered
by the provisions of the Association Agreement.

The  Association  Agreement  between  the  EU  and  Israel  entered  into  force  on
1 June 2000 and foresees the establishment of a free trade area between the EU and
Israel. In view of the above, the European Commission proposes to the Council that
several subcommittees be set up to support the Association Council and Committee
in the implementation of the Association Agreement. The subcommittees will discuss
matter of a technical nature that cannot be fully dealt with in the framework of the
Association Committees.

The  eight  subcommittees  we  propose  will  be  entitled:  (i)  working  party  for  social
affairs  (ii)  internal  market,  (iii)  industry,  trade  and  services,  (iv)  transport,
environment  and  energy,  (v)  research, 
innovation,  education  and  culture,
(vi) agriculture and fisheries, (vii) justice and security and (viii) regional cooperation.
However,  the  subcommittees  will  only  be  activated  subject  to  actual  requirements
expressed or existing in relation to the implementation of the EU-Israel Association
Agreement.

2

8.

9.

10.

11.

The  importance  of  regional  cooperation  has  frequently  been  stressed  in  the
framework  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  partnership.  The  new  EU  ‘wider  Europe’
policy  provides  a  flexible  framework  for  development  of  regional  cooperation
initiatives.  Some  of  them  have  recently  gained  momentum.  It  is  specifically
important  for  a  country  of  Israel's  size  to  be  part  of  a  regional  integrated  area  that
will  create  the  necessary  economies  of  scale  enabling  investment  and  economic
development.  The  regional  cooperation  subcommittee  will  be  in  charge  of
coordination  and  promotion  of  all  regional  matters  dealt  with  in  Article  44  of  the
Agreement.

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
under  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 subcommittees.

The  objective,  the  subjects  covered  by  each  subcommittee  and  the  implementing
procedures are contained in the rules of procedure annexed.

This proposal aims at clarifying the Community position in order to create a number
of  subcommittees  for  the  implementation  of  the  Association  Agreement.  The
decision for the creation of the subcommittees should be announced by the EU-Israel
Association Council on 18 November 2003.

3

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of
Article 73 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between
the European Communities and their Member States, on one part, and the State
of Israel, on 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  State  of
Israel, of the other part, was concluded on 20 November 1995.

Article 73 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  State  of  Israel,  of  the  other  part,  on  the
implementation of  Article  73 of the Agreement,  shall  be  based  on  the  draft  Decision  of  the
Association Council annexed to this Decision.

1

OJ C […], […], p. […].

4

                                                
The subcommittees shall be chaired by  a European  Commission representative  on  behalf of
the  European  Community  and  its  Member  States.  The  Member  States  shall  be  informed  of
and may participate in the meetings of the subcommittees in question.

A representative of the Council Presidency shall express the EU's position on matters relating
to Titles V and VI of the Treaty on European Union. The Commission shall be fully involved
in the preparatory work and in setting the objectives of subcommittee meetings.

Done at Brussels, […]

For the Council
The President

5

ANNEX A

Draft

DECISION OF THE EU-ISRAEL ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

Setting up Association Committee subcommittees

The EU-Israel 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 State of  Israel, of
the other part,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

A free trade area has been established between the EU and Israel.

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.

Article  73  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-Israel 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 above-mentioned 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 Brussels, […]

For the Association Council

6

ANNEX 1

EU-ISRAEL ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT

SUBCOMMITTEES ATTACHED TO THE ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

Social Affairs

Internal market

Industry, trade and services

Transport, environment and energy

Research, innovation, education and culture

Agriculture and fisheries

Justice and security

Regional cooperation

In  view  of  their  importance  as  an  essential  element  of  the  Association  Agreement,  human
rights  and  democracy  issues  will  be  discussed  with  the  appropriate  attention  in  the  various
forums  set  up  under  the  Agreement.  If  the  parties  so  decide  and  in  the  context  of
strengthening of their cooperation, these issues will also be dealt with by a subcommittee of
the Association Committee or by a specific group.

7

ANNEX 2

EU-Israel Subcommittee Number 1

Social Affairs

1.

Composition and chair

The  subcommittee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  European  Community  and  its
Member States and representatives of the Government of Israel. It shall be chaired alternately by
the two parties.

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 -

Unemployment, reintegration of people with disabilities

3.b -

Equal opportunities and professional training

3.c - Work relations, safety and hygiene in the workplace

3.d - Movement of workers

3.e -

Fields of mutual interest concerning immigration policies

3.f -

Coordination of social security systems.

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects 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  Israel  shall  act
jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

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

8

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 fifteen 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.

9

Rules of procedure

EU-Israel Subcommittee No 2

Internal market

1.

Composition and chair

The  subcommittee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  European  Community  and  its
Member States and representatives of the Government of Israel. It shall be chaired alternately by
the two parties.

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-

3.b-

3.c-

Technical regulations, normalisation and conformity assessment

Competition law, state aid and public markets

Intellectual, industrial and commercial property rights

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects 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  Israel  shall  act
jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

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

10

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.

11

Rules of procedure

EU-Israel Subcommittee No 3

Industry Trade and Services

1.

Composition and chair

The  subcommittee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  European  Community  and  its
Member States and representatives of the Government of Israel. It shall be chaired alternately by
the two parties.

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-

3.b-

3.c-

3.d-

3.e-

Industrial cooperation, as described in Article 45 of the Association Agreement

Trade issues

Services, including financial and postal

Tourism

Right of establishment of companies

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects 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  Israel  shall  act
jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

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

12

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 fifteen 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.

13

Rules of procedure

EU-Israel Subcommittee No 4

Transport, environment and energy

1.

Composition and chair

The  subcommittee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  European  Community  and  its
Member States and representatives of the Government of Israel. It shall be chaired alternately by
the two parties.

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-

3.b-

3.c-

Transport:  including  development  of  infrastructure  (in  particular  interconnections),
opening up of markets, security and safety in maritime and air transport, standardisation
of  technical  equipment,  improvements  to  the  multimodal  system  and  strengthening
subregional cooperation.

Environment:  including  increasing  environmental  protection  capacity  in  the  priority
areas specified in the Association Agreement (desertification, water, waste, salinisation,
education, agriculture, etc.) and in the Short and Medium-Term Priority Environmental
Action  Programme  (SMAP)  and  integration  of  the  environmental  dimension  in  the
priority  sectors  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Partnership  with  a  view  to  sustainable
development.

Energy:  including  development  of  infrastructure  (in  particular  interconnections),
opening up of markets and development of the gas market, security of supply, safety of
energy  infrastructure,  cooperation  and  research  in  renewable  energies,  cooperation  in
information exchange and strengthening of subregional cooperation.

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects may be added by the Association Committee.

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

14

4.

Secretariat

An  official  of  the  European  Commission  and  an  official  of  the  Government  of  Israel  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 fifteen 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.

15

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-Israel Subcommittee No 5

Research, Innovation, Education and Culture

1.

Composition and chair

The  subcommittee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  European  Community  and  its
Member States and representatives of the Government of Israel. It shall be chaired alternately by
the two parties.

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-

3.b-

3.c-

3.d-

3.e-

Development of institutional capacities relating to science, technology and innovation,
in particular those capacities in the use of S&T research findings by industry and SMEs
together  with  follow-up  of  the  agreement  involving  Israel  in  the  RTD  Framework
Programme.

Telecommunications and information technology

Cooperation in the field of education, training and youth exchanges

Cultural cooperation

Audio-visual, information and communication policies.

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects 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  Israel  shall  act
jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

17

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 fifteen 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

Rules of procedure

EU-Israel Subcommittee No 6

Agriculture

1.

Composition and chair

The  subcommittee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  European  Community  and  its
Member States and representatives of the Government of Israel. It shall be chaired alternately by
the two parties.

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-

3.b-

3.c-

3.d-

3.e-

Agriculture diversification and respect for the environment

Agriculture cooperation between business, groups and organisations

Phytosanitary and veterinary standards

Integrated rural development

Cooperation between rural areas

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects 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  Israel  shall  act
jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

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

19

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 fifteen 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.

20

Rules of procedure

EU-Israel Subcommittee No 7

Justice and Security

1.

Composition and chair

The  subcommittee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  European  Commission  and  its
Member States and representatives of the Government of Israel. It shall be chaired alternately by
the two parties.

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-

3.b-

3.c-

3.d-

Cooperation on justice

Judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters

Drugs

Organised crime, including trafficking of human beings, illegal immigration, terrorism,
corruption and money laundering.

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects 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  Israel  shall  act
jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

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

21

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 fifteen 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.

22

Rules of procedure

EU-Israel Subcommittee No 8

Regional Cooperation

1.

Composition and chair

The  subcommittee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  European  Community  and  its
Member States and representatives of the Government of Israel. It shall be chaired alternately by
the two parties.

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-

3.b-

3.c-

3.d-

3.e-

Regional integration initiatives

Development  of  economic  infrastructures  including  water,  energy,  transport  and  the
environment

Regional cooperation on issues covered by the subcommittee for justice and security

Coordination of regional matters from the other subcommittees.

Scientific and technological research

The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects 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  Israel  shall  act
jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.

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

23

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 fifteen 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.

24