CELEX: 52003PC0012
Language: en
Date: 2003-01-16
Title: Proposal for a Council Decision on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 84 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part

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52003PC0012

Proposal for a Council Decision on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 84 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part  /* COM/2003/0012 final */  

Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 84 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part(presented by the Commission)EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM1. The Association Agreements form the legal basis for the European Union's relations with the countries participating in the Barcelona Process. Following the signature of the agreements with Algeria and Lebanon, the structure of the Euro-Mediterranean agreements is virtually complete; it only remains to conclude negotiations with Syria.2. The conclusions of the Marseilles Conference in November 2000 call for the expansion of objectives and deepening of our relations with the countries of the Mediterranean in the framework of the Association Agreements. This also has practical implications for the institutions implementing the agreements.3. The range of issues addressed in bilateral relations will be extended and trade will develop in the direction of an overall partnership approach. The coherence of the new approach, which must be ensured by continuous close coordination of the constituent parts, also requires a change in the frequency and type of meetings. Discussions within the implementing institutions will become more technical as the partner countries embark on their reform programmes in preparation for the free trade area and integration into the Euro-Med single market.4. The increasing technical complexity of the Union's relations with the southern Mediterranean countries, arising from the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean agreements and the continuation of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, requires the working of the institutions of the Agreements to be brought into line with the working of the institutions of the other international agreements concluded by the EU. Subcommittees of the association committees of the other associated countries have been set up in order to monitor implementation of the partnership priorities and the approximation of legislation.5. The Euro-Med countries with whom agreements are in force have already expressed the desire for greater cooperation in the various areas covered by the numerous provisions of the association agreements. A number of activities are currently taking place at regional level in the Barcelona Process context while, at bilateral level, the Commission's departments try to respond to the requests of these countries on an individual, case-by-case basis.6. The EU-Morocco Association Agreement came into force on 1 March 2000 and provides for the establishment of a free trade area between the EU and Morocco by 28 February 2012 at the latest. The Moroccan Government has repeatedly expressed the desire for an advanced status in its relations with the EU ("more than association, less than accession"). It has stated that "the establishment of a free trade area is not an end in itself". The principal objective sought is "increased interpenetration of the partners' economies and societies and institutional convergence by means of additional mechanisms and appropriate legal instruments to be agreed".7. In view of the above, the Commission proposes the formal creation of six new subcommittees in addition to the committees or working parties for which provision is already made in the Association Agreement (Working Party on Migration and Social Affairs, Customs Cooperation Committee, Economic Dialogue). Each subcommittee will become active only when the need is clearly established, e.g. when relations with Morocco in one of the sectors specified appear to have advanced to a point beyond what can be achieved in the framework of cooperation at regional level.8. The six subcommittees will be respectively entitled: i) Internal market, ii) Industry, trade and services, iii) Transport, environment and energy, iv) Research and innovation, v) Agriculture and fisheries, vi) Justice and security. In the interests of maintaining a degree of homogeneity, the same subcommittee structure will be used for all the other Euro-Med agreements. However, the activation of each subcommittee will depend on actual requirements expressed or existing in relation to each individual country.9. As regards their organisation, the subcommittees will be chaired by the Commission pursuant to the Council decision of 25 March 2002. Under that decision, the "Justice and security" subcommittee will be chaired, insofar as the EU is concerned, according to the same rules as apply to the Association Committee. In the event of discussion on subjects outside the Community's competence, a representative of the Council presidency will chair the committee and also express the position of the Member States. In the latter case, the Commission will be fully involved in discussions on the approach to be followed and the objectives to be achieved during the meeting of the subcommittee.10. The objective, the subjects covered by each subcommittee and the implementing procedures are contained in the rules of procedure annexed. The number, tasks and rules of procedure of each subcommittee were discussed informally with the Moroccan authorities.11. The aim of this proposal is to decide the Community position in the Association Council with a view to the decision on the creation of the six subcommittees.Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on a Community position in the Association Council on the implementation of Article 84 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other partTHE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 300(2) thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, [1][1]  OJ C [...], [...], p. [...].Whereas:(1) The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, was concluded on 24 January 2000.(2) Article 84 of that Agreement states that the Association Council may decide to set up any working group or body necessary for the implementation of the Agreement,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Sole ArticleThe position to be adopted by the Community in the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement concluded between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, on the implementation of Article 84 of the Agreement, shall be based on the draft Decision of the Association Council annexed to this DecisionDone at Brussels, [...]For the CouncilThe President[...]ANNEX ADraftDECISION OF THE EU-MOROCCO ASSOCIATION COUNCILSetting up subcommittees of the Association CommitteeThe EU-Morocco Association Council,Having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part,Whereas:(1) A free trade area is to be established between the EU and Morocco by 28 February 2012 at the latest,(2) The EU's relations with the southern Mediterranean countries are becoming increasingly complex as a result of the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean agreements and the continuation of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership,(3) Subcommittees of the Association Committees of the other associated countries have been set up in order to monitor the implementation of the partnership priorities and the approximation of legislation,(4) Article 84 of the Agreement provides for the setting up of the working groups or bodies necessary for the implementation of the Agreement,HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Sole ArticleThe subcommittees of the EU-Morocco Association Committee listed in Annex 1 are hereby set up and the rules of procedure of those subcommittees in Annex 2 hereby adopted.The subcommittees shall work under the authority of the Association Committee, to which they shall report after each of their meetings. The subcommittees shall have no decision-making power.The Association Committee shall take any other action needed to ensure that they operate properly and inform the Association Council accordingly.The Association Council may decide to set up further subcommittees or groups or to abolish existing subcommittees or groups.This decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.Done at, [...]For the Association CouncilANNEXEU-MOROCCO ASSOCIATION AGREEMENTSUBCOMMITTEES ATTACHED TO THE ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE1. Internal market2. Industry, trade and services3. Transport, environment and energy4. Research and innovation5. Agriculture and fisheries6. Justice and securityANNEXRules of procedureEU-Morocco Subcommittee NoInternal market1. Composition and chairThe subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Morocco and be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.2. RoleThe 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 matterThe 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- Standardisation, certification, conformity assessment and market surveillance3.b- Competition and state aid3.c- Intellectual, industrial and commercial property rights3.d- Public procurement3.e- Consumer protection.The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.4. SecretariatAn official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Morocco shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.5. MeetingsThe 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 meetingsAll 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. MinutesMinutes 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. PublicityUnless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.Rules of procedureEU-Morocco Subcommittee NoIndustry, trade and services1. Composition and chairThe subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Morocco and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.2. RoleThe 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 matterThe subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.3.a- Industrial cooperation3.b- Trade issues3.c- Services, including financial (banking, insurance, investment) and postal services3.d- Tourism3.e- Right of establishment3.f- Data protection.The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.4. SecretariatAn official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Morocco shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.5. MeetingsThe 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 meetingsAll 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. MinutesMinutes 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. PublicityUnless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.Rules of procedureEU-Morocco Subcommittee NoTransport, environment and energy1. Composition and chairThe subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Morocco and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.2. RoleThe 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 matterThe subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement and the integration of environment policy in all areas of the Association Agreement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.3.a- Transport: including infrastructure modernisation and development, security and safety in maritime and air transport, control and management of ports and airports, improvements to the multimodal system.3.b- Environment: including building environmental protection capacity in the priority areas specified in the Short and Medium-Term Priority Environmental Action Programme (SMAP) and integration of the environment dimension in the priority sectors of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership with a view to sustainable development.3.c- Energy: including infrastructure modernisation and development, security and safety of energy infrastructure and transport, demand management, promotion of renewable energies, research and cooperation on data exchange.The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.4. SecretariatAn official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Morocco shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.5. MeetingsThe 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 meetingsAll 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. MinutesMinutes 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. PublicityUnless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.Rules of procedureEU-Morocco Subcommittee NoResearch and innovation1. Composition and chairThe subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Morocco and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.2. RoleThe 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 matterThe 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- Science, research and technological development and Morocco's participation in programmes of research, technological development and demonstration3.b- Innovation, the dissemination of knowledge and technology transfer3.c- Electronic communication networks and services3.d- Information technologies3.e- Cultural cooperation and audio-visual policy.The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.4. SecretariatAn official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Morocco shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.5. MeetingsThe 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 meetingsAll 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. MinutesMinutes 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. PublicityUnless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.Rules of procedureEU-Morocco Subcommittee NoAgriculture and fisheries1. Composition and chairThe subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Morocco and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings.2. RoleThe 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 matterThe subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.3.a- Agricultural and fisheries products3.b- Agricultural cooperation and rural development3.c- Processed agricultural products3.d- Veterinary and phytosanitary matters3.e- Legislation applicable to trade.The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee.The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.4. SecretariatAn official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Morocco shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.5. MeetingsThe 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 meetingsAll 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. MinutesMinutes 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. PublicityUnless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.Rules of procedureEU-Morocco Subcommittee NoJustice and security1. Composition and chairThe subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and representatives of the Government of Morocco and shall be chaired alternately by the two parties. The Member States will be informed and invited to the subcommittee meetings. In case of discussion of subject matters outside the Community's competence, the subcommittee shall be chaired by a representative of the Presidency of the Council, who shall also express the position of the Member States. In the latter case, the Commission will be fully involved in discussions on the approach to be followed and the objectives to be achieved during the meeting of the subcommittee.2. RoleThe 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 matterThe subcommittee shall discuss the implementation of the Association Agreement in the areas listed below. In particular, it shall assess progress as regards law approximation, implementation and enforcement. Where relevant, cooperation in public administration matters shall be discussed. The subcommittee shall examine any problems that may arise in the sectors listed below and shall suggest possible steps to be undertaken.3.a- Cooperation on justice3.b- Drugs3.c- Judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters3.d- Cooperation on combating organised crime, including trafficking in human beings, terrorism, corruption and money-laundering.The above list is not exhaustive and other subjects in this context, including horizontal matters, e.g. statistics, may be added by the Association Committee, in particular as regards implementation of the regional programme.The subcommittee may discuss matters relating to one, several or all of the above sectors.4. SecretariatAn official of the European Commission and an official of the Government of Morocco shall act jointly as permanent secretaries of the subcommittee.All communications concerning the subcommittee shall be forwarded to the secretaries.5. MeetingsThe 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 meetingsAll 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. MinutesMinutes 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. PublicityUnless otherwise decided, the meetings of the subcommittee shall not be public.