ANNEX
CHAPTER 2MEMBERSHIP
Article 3Membership and Representatives
1
The following entities may become Member of JIV-ERIC or Observer without voting rights:
a
Member States;
b
Associated countries;
c
Third countries other than associated countries;
d
Intergovernmental organisations.
2
Any Member or Observer may be represented by one public entity or one private entity with a public service mission, of its own choice and appointed according to its own rules and procedures.
3
The current JIV-ERIC Members, Observers and their representatives are listed in Annex 1. Annex 1 shall be updated by the Executive Director. The Members at the time of submission of the ERIC application shall be referred to as founding Members.
Article 4Admission of Members
1
The terms for admission of new Members are the following:
a
the admission of new Members shall require the approval of the Council;
b
applicants shall submit a written application to the Chair of the Council;
c
the application shall describe how the applicant will contribute to JIV-ERIC objectives and activities, fulfil its obligations and nominate an empowered legally entitled entity as representative.
2
The initial term for membership is five years.
Article 5Withdrawal of a Member, Termination of Membership
1
No Member shall withdraw within the first five years of the establishment of JIV-ERIC unless the Membership has been entered into for a specified shorter period. After the first five years of the establishment of JIV-ERIC, a Member may withdraw at the end of a financial year following a request at least 12 months prior to the withdrawal.
2
A Member may withdraw should the Council decide to raise the annual contribution as specified in Annex 2. Notwithstanding Article 5(1), a Member wishing to withdraw may do so within six months after the proposal to raise the contribution is adopted by the Council.
3
The withdrawal shall become effective at the end of the financial year on the condition that the withdrawing Member has fulfilled its obligations.
4
The Council shall have the power to terminate the membership of a Member if the following conditions are met:
a
the Member is in serious breach of one or more of its obligations under these Statutes;
b
the Member has failed to rectify such breach within a period of six months after notification.
The Member shall be given the opportunity to contest the decision of termination and to present its position to the Council.