Expert Groups

Role and mission of expert groups

Expert groups are consultative bodies that advise the Commission on the preparation of legislative proposals and policy initiatives, the implementation of legislation, programmes and existing Union policies, and the preparation of delegated acts. The Commission and its services remain fully independent with regard to taking into account the views expressed by expert groups. Over the years, there have been a number of expert groups working in the areas covered by DG Internal Market and Services (DG MARKT). These groups, like all other groups created by other Directorates General of the Commission, are published in the Register of Commission expert groups and other similar entities.

The Register provides useful details about each group, including the Commission service to which it reports and the mission, duties and composition of the group.

The rules applicable to Commission expert groups are set out in the guidelines adopted by the College of Commissioners in November 2010.

Framework Commission for expert groups: horizontal rules public register (10.11.2010)
- Communication (C(2010) 7649 final)
- Working document (SEC(2010) 1360 final)

In addition, the Commission has defined the general principles and minimum standards for its consultations with stakeholders. For more information, please see the following documents:

General principles and minimum standards for consultation of interested parties by the European Commission

Finally, Directorate General Internal Market and Services has, in the above mentioned framework, defined guidelines concerning its experts groups.

DG Internal Market and Services expert groups and stakeholders

The following information relates exclusively to expert groups from DG Internal Market and Services, including stakeholders:

Financial services(215 KB)
Other Single Market policies (available soon)

List of DG Internal Market & Services expert groups and stakeholders

Financial services

Group of representatives of financial services employees (Uni-Europa)
- Mission and composition(215 KB)
- Website
Payment Systems Market Expert Group
- Mission and composition(215 KB)
- Website
Group of financial services users
- Mission and composition(215 KB)
- Website
European Crowdfunding Stakeholder Forum
- Mission and composition(215 KB)
- Website
Expert group on the evaluation of the IAS regulation
- Mission and composition(215 KB)
- Website

Other Single Market policies

Informal Company Law expert group (ICLEG)
- See Website for mission and composition
European multi stakeholder forum in electronic invoicing group
- Mission and composition (available soon)
Expert group on Social Business (GECES)
- Mission, composition and working documents
Commission stakeholder expert group on public procurement (available soon)
Expert group on the development and implications of patent law in the field of biotechnology
Multi-Stakeholders Expert Group on eProcurement

Other forms of consultation with stakeholders

In addition to participating directly in expert groups, stakeholders may also use other avenues to make their voices heard. In particular, they can respond to regular public consultations launched by DG MARKT and participate in hearings, conferences and the many other events it organises. On specific issues and on an ad hoc basis DG MARKT may also establish bilateral information exchanges or multilateral agreements with specific categories of stakeholders.

Dealing with stakeholders: our ethical rules

To ensure that our staff members treat all stakeholders fairly and equally and to avoid any conflicts of interest, we are bound by strict ethics provisions. It is important that stakeholders and citizens in contact with our staff members are aware of these provisions. Read more(49 KB).