Commission Decision of 14 October 2011 on setting up the National Coal Experts Group (NCE)

The National Coal Experts Group, hereinafter referred to as ‘the NCE’, is hereby set up.

The NCE’s task shall be: (a) to assist the Commission in monitoring the evolution of coal markets; (b) to establish cooperation and ensure regular consultation between Member States' authorities responsible for coal-related energy policy issues and the Commission on questions relating to aspects of the coal value chain, including mine closures; (c) to bring about an exchange of experience and good practice in the field of coal production and use.

The Commission may consult the NCE on any matter relating to all aspects of the coal value chain.

1 The NCE shall be composed of Member States' authorities responsible for coal-related energy policy issues.

2 Member States' authorities shall nominate their representatives.

3 The names of Member States' authorities shall be published in the Register of Commission expert groups and other similar entities (‘the Register’).

1 The NCE shall be chaired by a representative of the Commission.

2 In agreement with the Commission services, the NCE may set up sub-groups to examine specific questions, especially the exchange of good practices, on the basis of terms of reference defined by the NCE. Such sub-groups shall be disbanded as soon as their mandate is fulfilled.

3 The Commission’s representative may invite experts from outside the NCE with specific competence in a subject on the agenda to participate in the work of the NCE or sub-groups on an ad hoc basis. In addition, the Commission’s representative may give observer status to individuals, organisations as defined in Rule 8(3) of the horizontal rules on expert groups and candidate countries.

4 Members of expert groups and their representatives, as well as invited experts and observers, shall comply with the obligations of professional secrecy laid down by the Treaties and their implementing rules, as well as with the Commission's rules on security regarding the protection of EU classified information, laid down in the Annex to the Rules of Procedure of the Commission . Should they fail to respect these obligations, the Commission may take all appropriate measures.

5 The meetings of expert groups and sub-groups shall be held on Commission premises. The Commission shall provide secretarial services. Other Commission officials with an interest in the proceedings may attend meetings of the NCE and its sub-groups.

6 The NCE may adopt its rules of procedure on the basis of the standard rules of procedure for expert groups.

7 The Commission publishes relevant information on the activities carried out by the NCE either by including it in the Register or via a link from the Register to a dedicated website.

1 Participants in the activities of the NCE or its sub-groups shall not be remunerated for the services they render.

2 Travel and subsistence expenses incurred by participants in the activities of the NCE or its sub-groups shall be reimbursed by the Commission in accordance with the provisions in force within the Commission.

3 Those expenses shall be reimbursed within the limits of the available appropriations allocated under the annual procedure for the allocation of resources.