Each Member of the Commission or Commission department shall ensure that EUCI it creates, is appropriately classified, clearly identified as EUCI and retains its classification level for only as long as necessary.

Without prejudice to Article 26 below, EUCI shall not be downgraded or declassified nor shall any of the security classification markings referred to in Article 3(2) be modified or removed without the prior written consent of the originator.

Where appropriate, implementing rules on handling EUCI, including a practical classification guide, shall be adopted in accordance with Article 60 below.