Commission Decision of 19 January 2012 on setting up of the European Union Offshore Oil and Gas Authorities Group

The European Union Offshore Oil and Gas Authorities Group (hereinafter the ‘Authorities Group’) is hereby set up.

1 The Authorities Group shall serve primarily as a forum for the exchange of experiences and expertise between national authorities and the Commission.

2 The activities of the Authorities Group may encompass, in coordination with activities of other relevant expert groups, all issues relating to major accident prevention and response in offshore oil and gas operations within the Union, as well as beyond its borders, where appropriate.

3 The Authorities Group shall discuss, assist and give its opinions to the Commission, either at the Commission's request or on its own initiative, in particular on the following issues: (a) identifying priorities for preparation of guidance documents, standards and best practices in the oil and gas sector; (b) preparing, or initiating and overseeing the preparation of, guidelines on the industry best practices; (c) in the interest of sharing experience, facilitating rapid information exchange between the Commission and national authorities, regarding e.g. the occurrence and causes of and responses to major incidents, and events which could have led to major accidents as well as, operational intelligence concerning drilling installations that intend to move between Member States; (d) promoting and facilitating consensus between the Commission and national authorities regarding the best regulatory practice; (e) promoting exchanges and secondment of staff between national authorities to increase their knowledge and experience; (f) exchanging information regarding the application of national and Union legislation and policies relevant to offshore oil and gas activities, including measures to prevent intentional unlawful acts against those activities, and assisting the Commission in monitoring the implementation of relevant Union acquis.

1 Without prejudice to Article 2 the Commission may consult the Authorities Group on any matter relating to major hazards in offshore oil and gas prospecting, exploration and production.

2 The Authorities Group shall consult with other Commission Expert Groups where there are complementary interests to ensure that relevant matters are brought to the attention of the other groups, and to receive information of interest to the Authorities Group.

1 The Authorities Group shall be composed of Member States' authorities responsible for the regulatory oversight of offshore oil and gas activities and related 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’).

4 Personal data shall be collected, processed and published in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001.

1 The Authorities Group shall be chaired by a representative of the Commission who may appoint a co-chair.

2 In agreement with the Commission services, the Authorities Group may set up sub-groups to examine specific questions, such as the exchange of best practices, on the basis of appropriate terms of reference. Such sub-groups shall be dissolved as soon as their mandates are fulfilled.

3 Representatives from the sectors concerned, including industry, trade unions, academia, research organisations, NGOs, relevant Union Agencies, third countries and other stakeholders may take part in the work of the Authorities Group at the Chairman's invitation. In addition, observer status may be given to individuals or organisations whose participation may contribute to the work of the Authorities Group.

4 The Authorities Group and its sub-groups shall normally meet on Commission premises in accordance with the procedures and schedule established by it. If not otherwise provided, the Commission shall provide secretarial services.

5 A Member State may seek the opinion of the Authorities Group on documents and published information regarding major hazards in offshore oil and gas activities pursuant to the provisions of applicable Union legislation.

6 The Authorities Group shall regularly report on its activity, notably on the identification and implementation of best practices and the performance of the offshore industry.

7 The Authorities Group shall meet at least once a year.

8 Nominated members of the Authorities Group and the Chair shall meet at least once a year with counterparts from the Standing Working Party for the Mining and Other Extractive Industries to discuss the work of both organisations for the preceding period and to share future work plans.

9 Information obtained by participating in the deliberations of the Authorities Group or its sub-groups shall not be divulged if, in the opinion of the Commission, that information relates to confidential matters.

10 The Authorities Group shall adopt its rules of procedure on the basis of the standard rules of procedure for expert groups.

1 Participants in the activities of the Authorities Group 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 Authorities Group 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 resource.