FantasticSearch

1. The Experts' Forum shall be composed of members from competent bodies specialised in gender equality issues, on the basis of one representative designated by each Member State, two members representing other relevant organisations specialised in gender equality issues designated by the European Parliament, as well as three members designated by the Commission and representing interested parties at European level, with one representative each from:

(a) an appropriate non-governmental organisation at Community level which has a legitimate interest in contributing to the fight against discrimination on grounds of sex and the promotion of gender equality;

(b) employers' organisations at Community level; and (c) workers' organisations at Community level. The Member States and the Commission shall aim to achieve a balanced representation between men and women in the Experts' Forum. Members may be replaced by alternates, appointed at the same time.

2. Members of the Experts' Forum shall not be members of the Management Board.

3. The Experts' Forum shall support the Director in ensuring the excellence and independence of activities of the Institute.

4. The Experts' Forum shall constitute a mechanism for an exchange of information in relation to gender equality issues and the pooling of knowledge. It shall ensure close cooperation between the Institute and competent bodies in the Member States.

5. The Experts' Forum shall be chaired by the Director or, in his/her absence, by a deputy from within the Institute. It shall meet regularly at the invitation of the Director, or at the request of at least a third of its members, and at least once per year. Its operational procedures shall be specified in the Institute's internal rules and shall be made public.

6. Representatives of the Commission's departments shall participate in the work of the Experts' Forum.

7. The Institute shall provide the technical and logistic support necessary for the Experts' Forum and provide a secretariat for its meetings.

8. The Director may invite experts or representatives of relevant economic sectors, employers, trade unions, professional or research bodies, or non-governmental organisations with recognised experience in disciplines related to the work of the Institute to cooperate in specific tasks and to take part in the relevant activities of the Experts' Forum.