14.7.2001 Official Journal of the European Communities L192/21 COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 27 June 2001 on establishing the European Research Advisory Board (notified under document number C(2001) 1656) (2001/531/EC, Euratom) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, Whereas: (1) The Commission needs an independent high-level body to increase effectiveness of European RTD policies. (2)  The advisory body should be made up of high-level individuals from the scientific community, industry, and the services sector, in order to examine general research policy issues. (3)  The Presidency Conclusions of the Lisbon European Council (March 2000) state that the Union must work towards the objectives set out in the Commission Communication entitled ‘Towards a European research area’. (4) The Council reiterated, on 16 November 2000, the importance of the setting-up of such an independent advisory body by the Commission. (5)  Scientific knowledge and advice is increasingly central to the design and implementation of European Union poli- cies. (6)  The Commission has consulted widely with the academic and industrial communities concerned, on the optimal form such a body should take. (7) It is appropriate to adjust the consultative system to the policy requirements in the field of science and tech- nology, in particular the development of a European research area, in full respect of the competencies of more specific Community advisory structures, in partic- ular those responsible for risk assessment. (8)  The Commission supports adequate representation of women in consultative committees and has a target of 40 % for participation of women in RTD activities, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 A consultative committee, hereinafter referred to as the ‘Euro- pean Research Advisory Board’ (the Committee), is established by the Commission. The Committee shall be an advisory body on research and technological development policy. Article 2 1. The task of the Committee shall be to advise the Commission on design and implementation of Community policy in research and technological development. In this context, the Committee will pay particular attention to the realisation of the European research area and the use of policy instruments such as the Community research and technological development framework programmes. 2. In order to accomplish the tasks set out in paragraph 1, the Committee shall, on its own initiative or at the request of the Commission, deliver opinions and provide advice on various aspects of Community research policy or developments in science and technology in Europe and worldwide. 3. The Commission shall ensure that the Committee receives the information necessary to perform its task. In this context, the Committee shall be regularly informed of developments in Community research policy. 4. When formally requested by the Committee, the Commission services shall provide to the Committee, written comments on its opinion or advice. The Commission services will also provide regular information on the possible follow-up actions undertaken.