Proposal for a Council Decision on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 80 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Lebanon, of the other part
Date: 2007-03-07
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Association Council (EU), Lebanon, association agreement (EU), competence of the institution, operation of the Institutions

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 7.3.2007 
COM(2007)84 final 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 80 
of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the 
European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of 
Lebanon, of the other part 

(presented by the Commission) 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

The Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement with Lebanon forms the legal basis 
for the bilateral relations between the European Union and Lebanon.  

The  Agreement  entered  into  force  on  1  April  2006  and  envisages  the  gradual 
liberalisation  of  trade  and  the  establishment  of  a  free  trade  area  over  a  transitional 
period  not  exceeding  12  years  from  the  entry  into  force  of  the  Agreement.  The 
establishment of this free trade area will contribute to strengthening the integration of 
the economic, institutional and social systems of the partner countries.  

The Agreement also provides an appropriate framework for political dialogue and for 
the  promotion  of  cooperation  in  economic,  social,  cultural,  financial  and  monetary 
matters and in other areas of mutual interest.  

In its Article 80, the Agreement provides for the setting up of any bodies necessary 
for its implementation.  

An  institutional  structure  consisting  of  a  number  of  sub-committees  has  been 
established for the implementation of the agreements with other Euro-Mediterranean 
partner countries, such as Israel, Morocco, Tunisia and Jordan. The present proposal 
follows the same scheme and structure. 

Lebanon  is  willing  to  strengthen  cooperation  in  the  various  fields  covered  by  the 
Association  Agreement.  Under  the  European  Neighbourhood  Policy,  moreover,  the 
aim  is  for  the  bilateral  relations  between  the  EU  and  Lebanon  to  develop  into  an 
overall  partnership  with  a  coherent  approach  guaranteed  by  close  and  permanent 
coordination of all the various elements. 

With  this  in  mind,  the  European  Commission  proposes  to  the  Council  the 
establishment  of  ten  sub-committees  to  assist  the  Association  Council  and 
Committee  in  the  implementation  of  the  Agreement.  These  sub-committees  will 
consider  questions  of  a  technical  nature  that  cannot  be  handled  in  full  within  the 
framework of the Association Committee.  

The ten sub-committees will cover: i) human rights, democracy and governance, ii) 
economic and financial matters, iii) industry, trade, and services iv) internal market, 
v) social and migration affairs, vi) justice freedom and security, vii) agriculture and 
fisheries,  viii)  transport,  energy  and  environment,  ix)  customs  cooperation  and 
taxation and x) research, innovation, information society, education and culture. 

As regards their organisation, the sub-committees will be chaired by the Commission 
in accordance with the Council Decision of 25 March 2002. Under that Decision, the 
"Justice and security" sub-committee will be chaired, insofar as the EU is concerned, 
in accordance with the same rules as apply to the Association Committee. Where the 
subject  of  the  discussion  does  not  come  under  Community  competences,  a 
representative of the Council Presidency will chair the Committee and represent the 
position of the Member States. In such cases, however, the Commission will be fully 
associated in the preparatory work and in setting the objectives of the meetings of the 
sub-committees. 

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10. 

11. 

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

The  Community  and  the  Republic  of  Lebanon  shall  each  defray  the  expenses  they 
incur by reason of their participation in the meetings of the Association Committee 
and sub-committees, both with regard to staff, travel and subsistence expenditure and 
to  postal  and  telecommunications  expenditure.  Other  expenditure  relating  to  the 
organisation of meetings shall be borne by the Party hosting the meetings. 

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Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 80 
of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the 
European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of 
Lebanon, 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) 

The  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  establishing  an  Association  between 
the 
European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of 
Lebanon,  of  the  other  part,  was  signed  on 17  June  2002  and  entered  into  force  on  1 
April 2006. 

(2) 

Article 80 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  Lebanon,  of  the  other  part,  on  the 
implementation  of  Article  80  of  the  Agreement  shall  be  based  on  the  draft  Decision  of  the 
Association Council annexed to this Decision. 

The sub-committees to be set up 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 sub-committees in question. 

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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 sub-committee meetings. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the Council 
The President 

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Draft 

DECISION OF THE EU/LEBANON ASSOCIATION COUNCIL 

Setting up subcommittees of the Association Committee 

THE EU/LEBANON 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 
Lebanon of the other part, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

A free trade area is to be established between the EU and the Republic of Lebanon 
by 1 March 2015 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 associations 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,  

There is a need to integrate the environment in sectoral policies, the objective being 
sustainable development, 

Article  80  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/Lebanon Association Committee listed in Annex 1 are hereby 
set up and the rules of procedure of the Working Group and those subcommittees in Annex 2 
are hereby adopted. 

They 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  to  abolish  existing 
subcommittees. 

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

Done at  

For the Association Council 

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ANNEX I 

EU-LEBANON ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT 

SUB-COMMITTEES ATTACHED TO THE ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE 

Human rights, democracy and governance 

Economic and financial matters 

Industry, trade and services 

Internal market 

Social and migration affairs 

Justice, freedom and security 

Agriculture and fisheries 

Transport, energy, and environment 

Customs cooperation and taxation 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

(10) 

Research, innovation, information society, education and culture 

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ANNEX II 

Rules of procedure 

EU-Lebanon Sub-Committee No 1 

Human rights, democracy and governance 

1. 

Composition and chair  

The sub-committee shall be composed of representatives of the European Community and its 
Member  States  and  representatives  of  the  Government  of  Lebanon.  It  shall  be  chaired 
alternately by the two parties. Each party shall appoint its own chairperson. 

2. 

Role 

The  sub-committee  shall  be  a  forum  for  discussion,  consultation  and  assessment,  and  shall 
work under the authority and guidance of the Association Committee, to which it shall report 
after  each  meeting.  The  sub-committee  does  not  have  any  decision-making  power  but  may 
submit proposals to the Association Committee. 

3. 

Subject matter 

The  sub-committee  shall  discuss  the  implementation  of  the  Association  Agreement  and  the 
related European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan in the areas listed below, among others, 
and  shall  assess  progress  on  the  objectives  and  actions  identified  and  agreed  upon  in  the 
Action Plan. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. 
The sub-committee shall examine any problems that may arise in the areas listed below and 
shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken. 

3(a) 

3(b) 

Strengthening  democracy,  governance  and 
independence of the judiciary and access to justice 

the  rule  of 

law, 

including 

the 

Ratifying and implementing the principal international conventions on human rights 
and fundamental freedoms and the protocols to those conventions. Implementation of 
reporting obligations and review of reservations. 

3(c) 

National administrative and institutional capacity 

3(d) 

3(e) 

Cooperation  on  foreign  policy  and  crisis  management  issues,  including  in 
international organisations 

Regional  cooperation  (including  coordination  of  regional  issues  arising  from  other 
sub-committees) 

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

The sub-committee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above areas. 

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4. 

Secretariat 

A  representative  of  the  European  Commission  and  a  representative  of  the  Government  of 
Lebanon shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the sub-committee. 

All communications concerning the sub-committee shall be forwarded to the secretaries. The 
secretaries shall be responsible for the preparation of the sub-committee meetings, including 
dates and agendas. 

5. 

Meetings 

The sub-committee shall meet whenever circumstances require, and in principle at least once 
a  year.  A  meeting  may  be  convened  at  the  request  of  the  chairperson  of  either  party, 
channelled  through  their  secretary,  who  shall  pass  on  the  request  to  the  other  party.  Upon 
receipt of a request for a sub-committee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply 
within  fifteen  working  days.  Where  possible,  and  with  the  agreement  of  both  parties,  a 
number of sub-committee meetings may be grouped over several days. 

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

Each meeting of the sub-committee 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  shall  be  informed  of  the  intended  composition  of  the 
delegation of each party. 

If  both  parties  agree,  the  sub-committee  may  invite  experts  to  its  meetings  to  provide  the 
specific information desired. 

6. 

Agenda of the meetings 

All requests for items to be included in the sub-committee agenda shall be forwarded to the 
secretaries. 

A provisional agenda shall 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 those items in respect of which requests for inclusion in 
the  agenda  have  been  received  by  the  secretaries  not  later  than  fifteen  days  before  the 
beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation shall be supplied to 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 sub-committee 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  sub-committee's  proposals  and  recommendations,  shall  be  forwarded 

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by  the  secretaries  of  the  sub-committee  to  the  secretaries  and  chair  of  the  Association 
Committee. 

8. 

Publicity 

Unless  otherwise  decided,  the  meetings  of  the  sub-committee  shall  not  be  public  and  the 
relevant minutes shall be confidential. 

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Rules of procedure 

EU-Lebanon Sub-Committee No 2 

Economic and financial matters 

1. 

Composition and chair  

The sub-committee shall be composed of representatives of the European Community and its 
Member  States  and  representatives  of  the  Government  of  Lebanon.  It  shall  be  chaired 
alternately by the two parties. Each side shall appoint its own chairperson. 

2. 

Role 

The  sub-committee  shall  be  a  forum  for  discussion,  consultation  and  assessment,  and  shall 
work under the authority and guidance of the Association Committee, to which it shall report 
after  each  meeting.  The  sub-committee  does  not  have  any  decision-making  power  but  may 
submit proposals to the Association Committee. 

3. 

Subject matter 

The  sub-committee  shall  discuss  the  implementation  of  the  Association  Agreement  and  the 
related European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan in the areas listed below, among others, 
and  shall  assess  progress  on  the  objectives  and  actions  identified  and  agreed  upon  in  the 
Action Plan. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. 
The sub-committee shall examine any problems that may arise in the areas listed below and 
shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken. 

3(a)  Macro-economic policies  

3(b) 

Structural economic policies 

3(c) 

Financial services (macro-economic aspects) and capital markets  

3(d) 

Capital movement and payments 

3(e) 

Public finance management, including public internal financial control 

3(f) 

Pensions and social security (economic aspects) 

3(g) 

Statistics 

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

The sub-committee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above areas. 

4. 

Secretariat 

A  representative  of  the  European  Commission  and  a  representative  of  the  Government  of 
Lebanon shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the sub-committee. 

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All communications concerning the sub-committee shall be forwarded to the secretaries. The 
secretaries shall be responsible for the preparation of the sub-committee meetings, including 
dates and agendas. 

5. 

Meetings 

The sub-committee shall meet whenever circumstances require, and in principle at least once 
a  year.  A  meeting  may  be  convened  at  the  request  of  the  chairperson  of  either  party, 
channelled  through  their  secretary,  who  shall  pass  on  the  request  to  the  other  party.  Upon 
receipt of a request for a sub-committee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply 
within  fifteen  working  days.  Where  possible,  and  with  the  agreement  of  both  parties,  a 
number of sub-committee meetings may be grouped over several days. 

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

Each meeting of the sub-committee 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  shall  be  informed  of  the  intended  composition  of  the  delegation  of 
each party. 

If  both  parties  agree,  the  sub-committee  may  invite  experts  to  its  meetings  to  provide  the 
specific information desired. 

6. 

Agenda of the meetings 

All requests for items to be included in the sub-committee agenda shall be forwarded to the 
secretaries. 

A provisional agenda shall 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 those items in respect of which requests for inclusion in 
the  agenda  have  been  received  by  the  secretaries  not  later  than  fifteen  days  before  the 
beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation shall be supplied to 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 sub-committee 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  sub-committee's  proposals  and  recommendations,  shall  be  forwarded 
by  the  secretaries  of  the  sub-committee  to  the  secretaries  and  chair  of  the  Association 
Committee. 

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8. 

Publicity 

Unless  otherwise  decided,  the  meetings  of  the  sub-committee  shall  not  be  public  and  the 
relevant minutes shall be confidential. 

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Rules of procedures 

EU-Lebanon Sub-Committee No 3 

Industry, trade and services 

1. 

Composition and chair 

The sub-committee shall be composed of representatives of the European Community and its 
Member  States  and  representatives  of  the  Government  of  Lebanon.  It  shall  be  chaired 
alternately by the two parties. Each side shall appoint its own chairperson. 

2. 

Role 

The  sub-committee  shall  be  a  forum  for  discussion,  consultation  and  assessment,  and  shall 
work under the authority and guidance of the Association Committee, to which it shall report 
after  each  meeting.  The  sub-committee  does  not  have  any  decision-making  power  but  may 
submit proposals to the Association Committee. 

3. 

Subject matter 

The  sub-committee  shall  discuss  the  implementation  of  the  Association  Agreement  and  the 
related European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan in the areas listed below, among others, 
and  shall  assess  progress  on  the  objectives  and  actions  identified  and  agreed  upon  in  the 
Action Plan. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. 
The sub-committee shall examine any problems that may arise in the areas listed below and 
shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken. 

3(a) 

Enterprise policy and industrial cooperation 

3(b) 

Implementation  of  the  trade  provisions  of  the  Association  Agreement  and  ENP 
Action Plan  

3(c) 

Bilateral trade issues 

3(d) 

Services and investment 

3(e) 

Preparation  of  trade  agreements  on  technical  regulations,  standards  and  conformity 
assessment 

3(f) 

Cooperation on e-commerce issues 

3(g) 

Tourism 

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

The sub-committee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above areas. 

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4. 

Secretariat 

A  representative  of  the  European  Commission  and  a  representative  of  the  Government  of 
Lebanon shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the sub-committee. 

All communications concerning the sub-committee shall be forwarded to the secretaries. The 
secretaries shall be responsible for the preparation of the sub-committee meetings, including 
dates and agendas. 

5. 

Meetings 

The sub-committee shall meet whenever circumstances require, and in principle at least once 
a  year.  A  meeting  may  be  convened  at  the  request  of  the  chairperson  of  either  party, 
channelled  through  their  secretary,  who  shall  pass  on  the  request  to  the  other  party.  Upon 
receipt of a request for a sub-committee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply 
within  fifteen  working  days.  Where  possible,  and  with  the  agreement  of  both  parties,  a 
number of sub-committee meetings may be grouped over several days. 

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

Each meeting of the sub-committee 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  shall  be  informed  of  the  intended  composition  of  the  delegation  of 
each party. 

If  both  parties  agree,  the  sub-committee  may  invite  experts  to  its  meetings  to  provide  the 
specific information desired. 

6. 

Agenda of the meetings 

All requests for items to be included in the sub-committee agenda shall be forwarded to the 
secretaries. 

A provisional agenda shall 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 those items in respect of which requests for inclusion in 
the  agenda  have  been  received  by  the  secretaries  not  later  than  fifteen  days  before  the 
beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation shall be supplied to 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 sub-committee 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  sub-committee's  proposals  and  recommendations,  shall  be  forwarded 

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by  the  secretaries  of  the  sub-committee  to  the  secretaries  and  chair  of  the  Association 
Committee. 

8. 

Publicity 

Unless  otherwise  decided,  the  meetings  of  the  sub-committee  shall  not  be  public  and  the 
relevant minutes shall be confidential. 

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Rules of procedure 

EU-Lebanon Sub-Committee No 4 

Internal market 

1. 

Composition and chair 

The sub-committee shall be composed of representatives of the European Community and its 
Member  States  and  representatives  of  the  Government  of  Lebanon.  It  shall  be  chaired 
alternately by the two parties. Each side shall appoint its own chairperson. 

2. 

Role 

The  sub-committee  shall  be  a  forum  for  discussion,  consultation  and  assessment,  and  shall 
work under the authority and guidance of the Association Committee, to which it shall report 
after  each  meeting.  The  sub-committee  does  not  have  any  decision-making  power  but  may 
submit proposals to the Association Committee. 

3. 

Subject matter 

The  sub-committee  shall  discuss  the  implementation  of  the  Association  Agreement  and  the 
related European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan in the areas listed below, among others, 
and  shall  assess  progress  on  the  objectives  and  actions  identified  and  agreed  upon  in  the 
Action Plan. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. 
The sub-committee shall examine any problems that may arise in the areas listed below and 
shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken. 

3(a) 

Legislative  and  administrative  cooperation  on  technical  regulations,  standards  and 
conformity assessment 

3(b) 

Competition policy  

3(c) 

Public procurement 

3(d) 

Intellectual, industrial and commercial property rights 

3(e) 

Services (policy and regulatory issues) 

3(f) 

Right of establishment, company law 

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

The sub-committee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above areas. 

4. 

Secretariat 

A  representative  of  the  European  Commission  and  a  representative  of  the  Government  of 
Lebanon shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the sub-committee. 

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All communications concerning the sub-committee shall be forwarded to the secretaries. The 
secretaries shall be responsible for the preparation of the sub-committee meetings, including 
dates and agendas. 

5. 

Meetings 

The sub-committee shall meet whenever circumstances require, and in principle at least once 
a  year.  A  meeting  may  be  convened  at  the  request  of  the  chairperson  of  either  party, 
channelled  through  their  secretary,  who  shall  pass  on  the  request  to  the  other  party.  Upon 
receipt of a request for a sub-committee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply 
within  fifteen  working  days.  Where  possible,  and  with  the  agreement  of  both  parties,  a 
number of sub-committee meetings may be grouped over several days. 

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

Each meeting of the sub-committee 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  shall  be  informed  of  the  intended  composition  of  the  delegation  of 
each party. 

If  both  parties  agree,  the  sub-committee  may  invite  experts  to  its  meetings  to  provide  the 
specific information desired. 

6. 

Agenda of the meetings 

All requests for items to be included in the sub-committee agenda shall be forwarded to the 
secretaries. 

A provisional agenda shall 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 those items in respect of which requests for inclusion in 
the  agenda  have  been  received  by  the  secretaries  not  later  than  fifteen  days  before  the 
beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation shall be supplied to 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 sub-committee 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  sub-committee's  proposals  and  recommendations,  shall  be  forwarded 
by  the  secretaries  of  the  sub-committee  to  the  secretaries  and  chair  of  the  Association 
Committee. 

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8. 

Publicity 

Unless  otherwise  decided,  the  meetings  of  the  sub-committee  shall  not  be  public  and  the 
relevant minutes shall be confidential. 

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Rules of procedure 

EU-Lebanon Sub-Committee No 5 

Social and migration policies 

1. 

Composition and chair 

The sub-committee shall be composed of representatives of the European Community and its 
Member  States  and  representatives  of  the  Government  of  Lebanon.  It  shall  be  chaired 
alternately by the two parties. Each side shall appoint its own chairperson. 

2. 

Role 

The  sub-committee  shall  be  a  forum  for  discussion,  consultation  and  assessment,  and  shall 
work under the authority and guidance of the Association Committee, to which it shall report 
after  each  meeting.  The  sub-committee  does  not  have  any  decision-making  power  but  may 
submit proposals to the Association Committee. 

3. 

Subject matter 

The  sub-committee  shall  discuss  the  implementation  of  the  Association  Agreement  and  the 
related European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan in the areas listed below, among others, 
and  shall  assess  progress  on  the  objectives  and  actions  identified  and  agreed  upon  in  the 
Action Plan. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. 
The sub-committee shall examine any problems that may arise in the areas listed below and 
shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken. 

3(a) 

Fight against discrimination, including disability issues 

3(b) 

Public health 

3(c) 

Equal opportunities 

3(d)  Movement of workers 

3(e)  Migration policies 

3(f) 

Labour policy 

3(g) 

Social protection 

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

The sub-committee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above areas. 

4. 

Secretariat 

A  representative  of  the  European  Commission  and  a  representative  of  the  Government  of 
Lebanon shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the sub-committee. 

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21 

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All communications concerning the sub-committee shall be forwarded to the secretaries. The 
secretaries shall be responsible for the preparation of the sub-committee meetings, including 
dates and agendas. 

5. 

Meetings 

The sub-committee shall meet whenever circumstances require, and in principle at least once 
a  year.  A  meeting  may  be  convened  at  the  request  of  the  chairperson  of  either  party, 
channelled  through  their  secretary,  who  shall  pass  on  the  request  to  the  other  party.  Upon 
receipt of a request for a sub-committee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply 
within  fifteen  working  days.  Where  possible,  and  with  the  agreement  of  both  parties,  a 
number of sub-committee meetings may be grouped over several days. 

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

Each meeting of the sub-committee 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  shall  be  informed  of  the  intended  composition  of  the  delegation  of 
each party. 

If  both  parties  agree,  the  sub-committee  may  invite  experts  to  its  meetings  to  provide  the 
specific information desired. 

6. 

Agenda of the meetings 

All requests for items to be included in the sub-committee agenda shall be forwarded to the 
secretaries. 

A provisional agenda shall 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 those items in respect of which requests for inclusion in 
the  agenda  have  been  received  by  the  secretaries  not  later  than  fifteen  days  before  the 
beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation shall be supplied to 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 sub-committee 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  sub-committee's  proposals  and  recommendations,  shall  be  forwarded 
by  the  secretaries  of  the  sub-committee  to  the  secretaries  and  chair  of  the  Association 
Committee. 

EN 

22 

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8. 

Publicity 

Unless  otherwise  decided,  the  meetings  of  the  sub-committee  shall  not  be  public  and  the 
relevant minutes shall be confidential. 

EN 

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Rules of procedure 

EU-Lebanon Sub-Committee No 6 

Justice freedom and security 

1. 

Composition and chair  

The sub-committee shall be composed of representatives of the European Community and its 
Member  States  and  representatives  of  the  Government  of  Lebanon.  It  shall  be  chaired 
alternately by the two parties. Each side shall appoint its own chairperson. 

2. 

Role 

The  sub-committee  shall  be  a  forum  for  discussion,  consultation  and  assessment,  and  shall 
work under the authority and guidance of the Association Committee, to which it shall report 
after  each  meeting.  The  sub-committee  does  not  have  any  decision-making  power  but  may 
submit proposals to the Association Committee. 

3. 

Subject matter 

The  sub-committee  shall  discuss  the  implementation  of  the  Association  Agreement  and  the 
related European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan in the areas listed below, among others, 
and  shall  assess  progress  on  the  objectives  and  actions  identified  and  agreed  upon  in  the 
Action Plan. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. 
The sub-committee shall examine any problems that may arise in the areas listed below and 
shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken. 

3(a)  Migration issues 

3(b) 

Asylum 

3(c) 

Specific actions to combat terrorism in the field of justice, liberty and security 

3(d) 

Fight against organised crime, including trafficking of human beings 

3(e) 

Drugs 

3(f) 

Money laundering, financial and economic crime 

3(g) 

Police and judicial cooperation 

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

The sub-committee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above areas. 

4. 

Secretariat 

A  representative  of  the  European  Commission  and  a  representative  of  the  Government  of 
Lebanon shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the sub-committee. 

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24 

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All communications concerning the sub-committee shall be forwarded to the secretaries. The 
secretaries shall be responsible for the preparation of the sub-committee meetings, including 
dates and agendas. 

5. 

Meetings 

The sub-committee shall meet whenever circumstances require, and in principle at least once 
a  year.  A  meeting  may  be  convened  at  the  request  of  the  chairperson  of  either  party, 
channelled  through  their  secretary,  who  shall  pass  on  the  request  to  the  other  party.  Upon 
receipt of a request for a sub-committee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply 
within  fifteen  working  days.  Where  possible,  and  with  the  agreement  of  both  parties,  a 
number of sub-committee meetings may be grouped over several days. 

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

Each meeting of the sub-committee 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  shall  be  informed  of  the  intended  composition  of  the  delegation  of 
each party. 

If  both  parties  agree,  the  sub-committee  may  invite  experts  to  its  meetings  to  provide  the 
specific information desired. 

6. 

Agenda of the meetings 

All requests for items to be included in the sub-committee agenda shall be forwarded to the 
secretaries. 

A provisional agenda shall 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 those items in respect of which requests for inclusion in 
the  agenda  have  been  received  by  the  secretaries  not  later  than  fifteen  days  before  the 
beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation shall be supplied to 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 sub-committee 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  sub-committee's  proposals  and  recommendations,  shall  be  forwarded 
by  the  secretaries  of  the  sub-committee  to  the  secretaries  and  chair  of  the  Association 
Committee. 

EN 

25 

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8. 

Publicity 

Unless  otherwise  decided,  the  meetings  of  the  sub-committee  shall  not  be  public  and  the 
relevant minutes shall be confidential. 

EN 

26 

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Rules of procedure 

EU-Lebanon Sub-Committee No 7 

Agriculture and fisheries 

1. 

Composition and chair 

The sub-committee shall be composed of representatives of the European Community and its 
Member  States  and  representatives  of  the  Government  of  Lebanon.  It  shall  be  chaired 
alternately by the two parties. Each side shall appoint its own chairperson. 

2. 

Role 

The  sub-committee  shall  be  a  forum  for  discussion,  consultation  and  assessment,  and  shall 
work under the authority and guidance of the Association Committee, to which it shall report 
after  each  meeting.  The  sub-committee  does  not  have  any  decision-making  power  but  may 
submit proposals to the Association Committee. 

3. 

Subject matter 

The  sub-committee  shall  discuss  the  implementation  of  the  Association  Agreement  and  the 
related European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan in the areas listed below, among others, 
and  shall  assess  progress  on  the  objectives  and  actions  identified  and  agreed  upon  in  the 
Action Plan. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. 
The sub-committee shall examine any problems that may arise in the areas listed below and 
shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken. 

3(a) 

Agricultural and processed agricultural products, including trade 

3(b) 

Sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues 

3(c) 

Agricultural policies and rural development, regional co-operation 

3(d) 

Fishery products, including trade 

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

The sub-committee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above areas. 

4. 

Secretariat 

A  representative  of  the  European  Commission  and  a  representative  of  the  Government  of 
Lebanon shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the sub-committee. 

All communications concerning the sub-committee shall be forwarded to the secretaries. The 
secretaries shall be responsible for the preparation of the sub-committee meetings, including 
dates and agendas. 

EN 

27 

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5. 

Meetings 

The sub-committee shall meet whenever circumstances require, and in principle at least once 
a  year.  A  meeting  may  be  convened  at  the  request  of  the  chairperson  of  either  party, 
channelled  through  their  secretary,  who  shall  pass  on  the  request  to  the  other  party.  Upon 
receipt of a request for a sub-committee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply 
within  fifteen  working  days.  Where  possible,  and  with  the  agreement  of  both  parties,  a 
number of sub-committee meetings may be grouped over several days. 

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

Each meeting of the sub-committee 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  shall  be  informed  of  the  intended  composition  of  the  delegation  of 
each party. 

If  both  parties  agree,  the  sub-committee  may  invite  experts  to  its  meetings  to  provide  the 
specific information desired. 

6. 

Agenda of the meetings 

All requests for items to be included in the sub-committee agenda shall be forwarded to the 
secretaries. 

A provisional agenda shall 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 those items in respect of which requests for inclusion in 
the  agenda  have  been  received  by  the  secretaries  not  later  than  fifteen  days  before  the 
beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation shall be supplied to 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 sub-committee 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  sub-committee's  proposals  and  recommendations,  shall  be  forwarded 
by  the  secretaries  of  the  sub-committee  to  the  secretaries  and  chair  of  the  Association 
Committee. 

8. 

Publicity 

Unless  otherwise  decided,  the  meetings  of  the  sub-committee  shall  not  be  public  and  the 
relevant minutes shall be confidential. 

EN 

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Rules of procedure 

EU-Lebanon Sub-Committee No 8 

Transport, energy, and environment 

1. 

Composition and chair 

The sub-committee shall be composed of representatives of the European Community and its 
Member  States  and  representatives  of  the  Government  of  Lebanon.  It  shall  be  chaired 
alternately by the two parties. Each side shall appoint its own chairperson. 

2. 

Role 

The  sub-committee  shall  be  a  forum  for  discussion,  consultation  and  assessment,  and  shall 
work under the authority and guidance of the Association Committee, to which it shall report 
after  each  meeting.  The  sub-committee  does  not  have  any  decision-making  power  but  may 
submit proposals to the Association Committee. 

3. 

Subject matter 

The  sub-committee  shall  discuss  the  implementation  of  the  Association  Agreement  and  the 
related European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan in the areas listed below, among others, 
and  shall  assess  progress  on  the  objectives  and  actions  identified  and  agreed  upon  in  the 
Action Plan. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. 
The sub-committee shall examine any problems that may arise in the areas listed below and 
shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken. 

3(a) 

Transport 

3(b) 

Energy 

3(c) 

Environment  

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

The sub-committee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above areas. 

4. 

Secretariat 

A  representative  of  the  European  Commission  and  a  representative  of  the  Government  of 
Lebanon shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the sub-committee. 

All communications concerning the sub-committee shall be forwarded to the secretaries. The 
secretaries shall be responsible for the preparation of the sub-committee meetings, including 
dates and agendas. 

5. 

Meetings 

The sub-committee shall meet whenever circumstances require, and in principle at least once 
a  year.  A  meeting  may  be  convened  at  the  request  of  the  chairperson  of  either  party, 

EN 

29 

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channelled  through  their  secretary,  who  shall  pass  on  the  request  to  the  other  party.  Upon 
receipt of a request for a sub-committee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply 
within  fifteen  working  days.  Where  possible,  and  with  the  agreement  of  both  parties,  a 
number of sub-committee meetings may be grouped over several days. 

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

Each meeting of the sub-committee 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  shall  be  informed  of  the  intended  composition  of  the  delegation  of 
each party. 

If  both  parties  agree,  the  sub-committee  may  invite  experts  to  its  meetings  to  provide  the 
specific information desired. 

6. 

Agenda of the meetings 

All requests for items to be included in the sub-committee agenda shall be forwarded to the 
secretaries. 

A provisional agenda shall 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 those items in respect of which requests for inclusion in 
the  agenda  have  been  received  by  the  secretaries  not  later  than  fifteen  days  before  the 
beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation shall be supplied to 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 sub-committee 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  sub-committee's  proposals  and  recommendations,  shall  be  forwarded 
by  the  secretaries  of  the  sub-committee  to  the  secretaries  and  chair  of  the  Association 
Committee. 

8. 

Publicity 

Unless  otherwise  decided,  the  meetings  of  the  sub-committee  shall  not  be  public  and  the 
relevant minutes shall be confidential. 

EN 

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Rules of procedure 

EU-Lebanon Sub-Committee No 9 

Customs cooperation and taxation 

1. 

Composition and chair  

The sub-committee shall be composed of representatives of the European Community and its 
Member  States  and  representatives  of  the  Government  of  Lebanon.  It  shall  be  chaired 
alternately by the two parties. Each side shall appoint its own chairperson. 

2. 

Role 

The  sub-committee  shall  be  a  forum  for  discussion,  consultation  and  assessment,  and  shall 
work under the authority and guidance of the Association Committee, to which it shall report 
after  each  meeting.  The  sub-committee  does  not  have  any  decision-making  power  but  may 
submit proposals to the Association Committee. 

3. 

Subject matter 

The  sub-committee  shall  discuss  the  implementation  of  the  Association  Agreement  and  the 
related European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan in the areas listed below, among others, 
and  shall  assess  progress  on  the  objectives  and  actions  identified  and  agreed  upon  in  the 
Action Plan. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. 
The sub-committee shall examine any problems that may arise in the areas listed below and 
shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken. 

3(a) 

Customs procedures, customs nomenclature, customs valuation  

3(b) 

Rules of origin  

3(c) 

Tariff regimes  

3(d) 

Customs cooperation 

3(e) 

Taxation 

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

The sub-committee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above areas. 

4. 

Secretariat 

A  representative  of  the  European  Commission  and  a  representative  of  the  Government  of 
Lebanon shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the sub-committee. 

All communications concerning the sub-committee shall be forwarded to the secretaries. The 
secretaries shall be responsible for the preparation of the sub-committee meetings, including 
dates and agendas. 

EN 

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5. 

Meetings 

The sub-committee shall meet whenever circumstances require, and in principle at least once 
a  year.  A  meeting  may  be  convened  at  the  request  of  the  chairperson  of  either  party, 
channelled  through  their  secretary,  who  shall  pass  on  the  request  to  the  other  party.  Upon 
receipt of a request for a sub-committee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply 
within  fifteen  working  days.  Where  possible,  and  with  the  agreement  of  both  parties,  a 
number of sub-committee meetings may be grouped over several days. 

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

Each meeting of the sub-committee 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  shall  be  informed  of  the  intended  composition  of  the  delegation  of 
each party. 

If  both  parties  agree,  the  sub-committee  may  invite  experts  to  its  meetings  to  provide  the 
specific information desired. 

6. 

Agenda of the meetings 

All requests for items to be included in the sub-committee agenda shall be forwarded to the 
secretaries. 

A provisional agenda shall 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 those items in respect of which requests for inclusion in 
the  agenda  have  been  received  by  the  secretaries  not  later  than  fifteen  days  before  the 
beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation shall be supplied to 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 sub-committee 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  sub-committee's  proposals  and  recommendations,  shall  be  forwarded 
by  the  secretaries  of  the  sub-committee  to  the  secretaries  and  chair  of  the  Association 
Committee. 

8. 

Publicity 

Unless  otherwise  decided,  the  meetings  of  the  sub-committee  shall  not  be  public  and  the 
relevant minutes shall be confidential. 

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Rules of procedure 

EU-Lebanon Sub-Committee No 10 

Research, innovation, information society, education and culture 

1. 

Composition and chair  

The sub-committee shall be composed of representatives of the European Community and its 
Member  States  and  representatives  of  the  Government  of  Lebanon.  It  shall  be  chaired 
alternately by the two parties. Each side shall appoint its own chairperson. 

2. 

Role 

The  sub-committee  shall  be  a  forum  for  discussion,  consultation  and  assessment,  and  shall 
work under the authority and guidance of the Association Committee, to which it shall report 
after  each  meeting.  The  sub-committee  does  not  have  any  decision-making  power  but  may 
submit proposals to the Association Committee. 

3. 

Subject matter 

The  sub-committee  shall  discuss  the  implementation  of  the  Association  Agreement  and  the 
related European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan in the areas listed below, among others, 
and  shall  assess  progress  on  the  objectives  and  actions  identified  and  agreed  upon  in  the 
Action Plan. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. 
The sub-committee shall examine any problems that may arise in the areas listed below and 
shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken. 

3(a) 

Research, Science and technological innovation 

3(b) 

Education, training and youth  

3(c) 

Cultural cooperation 

3(d) 

Information society 

3(e) 

Audio-visual policies 

3(f) 

Civil society cooperation 

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

The sub-committee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above areas. 

4. 

Secretariat 

A  representative  of  the  European  Commission  and  a  representative  of  the  Government  of 
Lebanon shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the sub-committee. 

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33 

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All communications concerning the sub-committee shall be forwarded to the secretaries. The 
secretaries shall be responsible for the preparation of the sub-committee meetings, including 
dates and agendas. 

5. 

Meetings 

The sub-committee shall meet whenever circumstances require, and in principle at least once 
a  year.  A  meeting  may  be  convened  at  the  request  of  the  chairperson  of  either  party, 
channelled  through  their  secretary,  who  shall  pass  on  the  request  to  the  other  party.  Upon 
receipt of a request for a sub-committee meeting, the secretary of the other party shall reply 
within  fifteen  working  days.  Where  possible,  and  with  the  agreement  of  both  parties,  a 
number of sub-committee meetings may be grouped over several days. 

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

Each meeting of the sub-committee 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  shall  be  informed  of  the  intended  composition  of  the  delegation  of 
each party. 

If  both  parties  agree,  the  sub-committee  may  invite  experts  to  its  meetings  to  provide  the 
specific information desired. 

6. 

Agenda of the meetings 

All requests for items to be included in the sub-committee agenda shall be forwarded to the 
secretaries. 

A provisional agenda shall 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 those items in respect of which requests for inclusion in 
the  agenda  have  been  received  by  the  secretaries  not  later  than  fifteen  days  before  the 
beginning of the meeting. Supporting documentation shall be supplied to 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 sub-committee 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  sub-committee's  proposals  and  recommendations,  shall  be  forwarded 
by  the  secretaries  of  the  sub-committee  to  the  secretaries  and  chair  of  the  Association 
Committee. 

EN 

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8. 

Publicity 

Unless  otherwise  decided,  the  meetings  of  the  sub-committee  shall  not  be  public  and  the 
relevant minutes shall be confidential. 

EN 

35 

   EN