1.The Board shall be chaired by the Commission.
2.When discussing matters related to the Space component of the GMES programme, the Commission shall be assisted by the European Space Agency.
When discussing matters related to the in situ component of the GMES programme, the Commission shall be assisted by the European Environment Agency.
3.In agreement with the Commission, sub-groups may be set up to examine specific questions under terms of reference established by the Board. Such groups shall be dissolved as soon as their mandates are fulfilled.
4.The Commission’s representative may ask experts or observers with specific competence on a subject on the agenda to participate in the Board’s or sub-group’s deliberations if this is useful and/or necessary.
5.Information obtained by participating in the Board’s or sub-group’s deliberations shall not be divulged if, in the opinion of the Commission, that information relates to confidential matters.
6.The Board and its sub-groups shall normally meet on Commission premises in accordance with the procedures and schedule established by it. The Commission shall provide secretarial services. Other Commission officials with an interest in the proceedings may attend meetings of the Board and its sub-groups.
7.The Board shall adopt its rules of procedure on the basis of the standard rules of procedure adopted by the Commission.
8.The Commission may publish on the Internet, in the original language of the document concerned, any summary, conclusion, or partial conclusion or working document of the Board.