21st Century Comitology: The Theory and Practice of Implementing Committees in the European Union, in collaboration with Kings College (UK)

Description
This advanced seminar will provide in-depth training on the role and the workings of committees in the process of EU policymaking. While the main focus of the seminar is on the committees assisting the European Commission in the implementation of EU legislation – the so-called ‘comitology committees’ - the seminar will also introduce the role of Expert Advisory Groups working with the Commission and working groups and committees within the structure of the Council of Ministers. The focus on comitology committees involves detailed analysis of the formal procedures under which these committees work, the role of the European Parliament in scrutinising comitology, and the case law of the European Court of Justice. Special attention is devoted to two aspects of comitology which are currently undergoing important reform processes: the changing architecture of EU regulatory committees in the area of financial services regulation, and the changes introduced by the Lisbon Treaty which has just come into force, and which will also provide the basis for a new legal instrument to implement EU legislation, the ‘delegated acts’.

Objectives
At the end of the seminar, participants should have a sound understanding of the workings of the comitology system, and should be well-prepared for effective participation in, or providing input for, comitology committee meetings in Brussels.

This seminar is directed at civil servants from the Member States, from the candidate countries and from the EU Institutions as well as to those working for NGOs or the private sector who require a better understanding of the processes of policy-implementation in the EU. While the seminar will seek to provide guidance in particular for British officials, it is open to participants from other countries.

Programme
The programme will commence on Thursday, 18 February at 9.30 hrs and will finish on Friday, 19 February at 17.00 hrs.

Seminar Venue
King’s College London
Strand
WC2R 2LS London (UK)

Working language
The seminar will be conducted in English.

Fee
The registration fee is € 825 and includes documentation, two lunches, one dinner and refreshments. Accommodation and travel costs are at the expense of the participants or their administration. EIPA offers its members a reduction of 10% of the registration fee. For more information, please visit check FAQ-special discounts.

Meals
The lunches will be served at King’s College. Should you require a special menu (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic), please inform the Programme Organiser so that this can be arranged.

Registration
Kindly complete the registration form and return it before 4 February 2010 to Ms Belinda Vetter, Programme Organiser, European Institute of Public Administration, P.O. Box 1229, NL- 6201 BE Maastricht, tel.: +31.43.3296382, fax: +31.43.3296296, e-mail: b.vetter@eipa.eu. You can also submit the online registration form.
Your name and address will be part of EIPA’s database for our mailing purpose only. If you do not want to be included in our mailing database, please tick the box in the registration form.

Confirmation
Confirmation of registration will be forwarded to participants on receipt of the completed registration form.

Payment
Prior payment is a condition for participation. Please indicate the method of payment on the registration form. In any case, the participant or his/her administration will receive an invoice for the payment of the registration fee. For cancellations received after the date indicated on the registration form we will have to charge an administration fee of € 150 unless a replacement participant is found.

Cancellation policy
EIPA reserves the right to cancel the seminar up to 2 weeks before the starting date. EIPA accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred (travel, hotel, etc.). For EIPA’s cancellation policy, please visit our website www.eipa.eu (legal notice).