Commission Decision of 20 December 2006 setting up a scientific group of experts for designations of origin, geographical indications and traditional specialities guaranteed (2007/71/EC)

Article 4 Operation

1. The group shall elect a chairman and two deputy chairmen from among its members. The election shall take place by simple majority of the members.

2. In agreement with the Commission, sub-groups may be set up to examine specific questions under terms of reference established by the group; they shall be disbanded as soon as they have fulfilled those terms of reference.

3. The Commission representative may invite experts or observers with special expertise on a matter on the agenda to participate in the group's work where appropriate and/or necessary.

4. Information obtained as a result of attending group or sub-group meetings shall not be divulged where the Commission declares them to relate to confidential matters.

Members may not use for professional purposes any information they obtain through being a member of the group.

5. The group and its sub-groups shall normally meet in one of the sites where the Commission and its departments are located, following the procedures and timetable laid down by it. The Commission shall organise the secretariat. Other Commission officials concerned may take part in the meetings.

6. The group shall adopt its rules of procedure on the basis of the standard rules of procedure adopted by the Commission.

7. The Commission may publish on the Internet, in the original language of the document concerned, requests for opinions, agendas and minutes, and opinions adopted by the group. They may also publish under the same terms any working document of the group.