Article 1U.K.Establishment

A Committee of Contributors for the European Union military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereafter called ‘the CoC’) is hereby established.

Article 2U.K.Functions

The terms of reference of the CoC are laid down in the European Council Conclusions of Nice (7, 8 and 9 December 2000) and Brussels (24 and 25 October 2002).

Article 3U.K.Composition

1.The CoC members shall be as follows:

2.The DGEUMS and the EU Operation Commander are also entitled to attend or to be represented at the CoC meetings.

Article 4U.K.Chair

In conformity with the Nice conclusions and without prejudice to the prerogatives of the Presidency, the CoC for this operation will be chaired by the Secretary General/High Representative or his representative in close consultation with the Presidency, assisted by the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC) or his representative.

Article 5U.K.Meetings

1.The CoC shall be convened by the Chair on a regular basis. Where circumstances require, emergency meetings may be convened on the Chair's initiative, or at the request of a member.

2.The Chair shall circulate in advance a provisional agenda and documents relating to the meeting. The proceedings shall be circulated after each meeting.

3.Representatives of the Commission and other persons may be invited for relevant parts of the discussion, as appropriate.

Article 6U.K.Procedure

1.Except as provided in paragraph 3 and without prejudice to the competencies of the Political and Security Committee and the responsibilities of the EU Operation Commander,

The abstention of a member shall not preclude unanimity.

2.The Chair shall establish that the majority of the representatives of States entitled to take part in the deliberations is present.

3.All procedural questions shall be settled by the simple majority of the members present at the meeting.

4.Denmark shall not take part in any decision of the Committee.

Article 7U.K.Confidentiality

1.The Council Security Regulations shall apply to the meetings and proceedings of the CoC. In particular, representatives in the CoC shall possess adequate security clearances.

2.The deliberations of the CoC shall be covered by the obligation of professional secrecy, except insofar the CoC unanimously decides otherwise.

Article 8U.K.Entry into force

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