On 9 July 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted an updated list of its preparatory bodies—committees and working parties that prepare Council decisions—effective from the same date. The list, contained in Annex I, excludes joint committees with third countries and bodies that meet in the Council building but are not Council preparatory bodies. The update introduces security clearance requirements: bodies marked with a single asterisk (*) require all delegates to hold EU personnel security clearance at least to SECRET UE/EU SECRET level, while those with a double asterisk (**) require clearance at least to CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL level. Annex II sets out security requirements for meetings where classified information is discussed. Annex III lists all preparatory bodies with a fixed chair—either elected or appointed, chaired by the High Representative’s representative, or by the General Secretariat of the Council. The document reaffirms that only the Council or Coreper may set up committees or working parties; ad hoc working parties cease once their terms of reference are fulfilled or must be time-limited. New working parties and subgroups shall in principle use the "on request" interpretation system unless Coreper decides otherwise. The update formalises the official list of preparatory bodies, their security clearance requirements, and rules for their creation, operation, and interpretation arrangements.
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