L 80/74 Official Journal of the European Union 17.3.2006 COMMISSION DECISION of 15 March 2006 on setting up a high level expert group to advise the European Commission on the implementation and the development of the 12010 strategy (2006/215[EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Whereas: (1) As indicated in the conclusions of the Communication from the Commission entitled 92010 — A European Information Society for growth and employment’ () (hereafter i2010), ‘the Commission will strengthen dialogue with stakeholders and work with Member States to address ICT issues, notably through the open method of coordination’. Therefore, the Commission may need to call upon the guidance and expertise of an advisory body with Member State officials specialising in the ICT policy area. () The group must contribute to the efficient implemen- tation of i2010. (3)  The group must be made up of high level representatives from the Member States, and open to observers from acceding and EEA countries. (4 The 12010 high level group’ has therefore to be set up and its terms of reference and structures must be detailed, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Atticle 1 A group of experts, the 12010 High Level Group’, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Group’, is hereby set up by the Commission. Atticle 2 Task The Commission may consult the group on any matter relating to the implementation of the i2010 strategy. The Group’s task is to: — discuss strategic ICT policy issues in the context of 12010 and in the wider context of the Lisbon agenda, review the effectiveness of 2010, and give input and advice on (1) COM(2005) 229 final. possible improvements and adjustments on i2010 actions, on the basis of the monitoring of i2010 implementation and the evolution of policy; — offer a forum for strategic discussions and for the exchange of experiences, with all Commission services involved; and — exchange views on issues arising from the national reform plans, in the areas covered by 12010, in relation to achieving the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy. Attice 3 Composition — Appointment 1.  The Group shall be composed of one representative of each Member State and the Commission. Member State repre- sentatives may be accompanied by appropriate colleagues according to the subject matter discussed, without prejudice to the applicable rules for reimbursement of meeting expenses. The representatives shall be high level civil servants dealing with information society issues at national level, able to ensure appropriate coordination between the national public authorities involved in the various areas covered by the 2010 strategy. 2. The Commission may authorise the participation of observers from EEA countries and acceding countries. These observers are nominated according to the same criteria as referred to in paragraph 1. 3. Member States, EEA countries and acceding countries shall notify the Commission of the names and contact details of their nominees and of any subsequent changes. 4. The names of the appointed members shall be published on the i2010 website (www.europa.eu.int/i2010). The member- ship list will be updated by the Information Society and Media Directorate-General each time changes are notified by Member States. Atticle 4 Operation 1. The group is chaired by the Commission.