Criteria for the appointment of Group III advisors

Appointment

Procedure

The rules governing Group advisors are laid down in Rule 83 of the EESC Rules of Procedure.

The Group advisors are appointed by the Group president. The criteria and procedures for appointing Group advisors shall be decided by each group.

The appointment of a Group III advisor is not automatic and can be foreseen when the topic is of particular relevance for Group III and/or when the opinion might be controversial.

Within this framework, all members of Group III can suggest the nomination of a Group III advisor for a study group.

The request for the appointment of a Group advisor has to be duly explained and sent to the Group President with copy to the Group secretariat. The motivation letter accompanying the request should clearly explain how the appointment of the Group advisor would benefit Group III and the request should also have the full support from all the members of the study group.

Group III vice-presidents in charge of the new works can recommend the nomination of Group advisors in cases where new study groups are of particular relevance to Group III.

In accordance with Rule 81 of the EESC Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct., alternates may be appointed as Group advisors, subject to the temporary suspension of their tenure of office as alternate. CCMI delegates may also be appointed as Group advisors; in such cases, their status as CCMI delegates shall be suspended for the day of the meeting in which they participate as advisors. Group advisors do not represent the Committee and shall not be authorised to speak on its behalf. The EESC Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct also apply to advisors.

Selection criteria

The selection of Group III advisors is based on relevant expertise on the subject matter and the ability to effectively represent and uphold the perspective and interests of civil society organisations, in line with the role of Group III. Candidates should also comply with the provisions on conflicts of interest set out in Rule 8 of the EESC Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct.

Definition of the role of Group III advisors

Group III advisors can exercise one or more of the following roles:

• give assistance to the Group III members of the study group when the topics are very technical and require a specific expertise
• strengthen the position of Group III in the work of the study group
• promote relations with CSOs
• if required, to assist the Group in drafting a resolution or a position paper