6.3.2004 Official Journal of the European Union L 68/25 COUNCIL DECISION of 26 February 2004 laying down the Rules of the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training (2004/223[EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Decision 63/266/EEC of 2 April 1963 laying down general principles for implementing a common vocational training policy ('), and in particular the last subparagraph of the fourth principle thereof, Having regard to the opinion of the Commission, Whereas: (1) On the basis of Decision 63/266/EEC, the Council on 18 December 1963 adopted the Rules of the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training (63/688/EEC) (3). (2)  Over the forty years since its creation, the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training provided the Commission with opinions on vocational training issues, including opinions on communications and other stra- tegic documents, on specific undertakings such as the establishment of the European Centre for the Develop- ment of Vocational Training, and on the preparation, evaluation and optimisation of Community action programmes in the field of vocational training. (3)  The social, political and institutional changes which have taken place since the creation of the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training and the new prospects opened up by the forthcoming accessions require a constructive re-examination of the composition of the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training and its organisational framework. The Rules of the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training (63/688/EEC) and Decision 68/189/EEC should therefore be repealed and replaced. (4)  The tripartite structure of the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training and its tasks should be substantially retained, but accompanied by the introduction of a number of changes to streamline its operation, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 1. The Advisory Committee on Vocational Training (herein- after called the Committee) shall consist of three members for each Member State, there being one representative for each interest group of national governments, trade unions and employers' organisations. () 0] 63, 20.4.1963, p. 1338/63. () OJ 190, 30.12.1963, p. 3090/63. Rules as amended by Decision 68/189/EEC (O] L 91, 12.4.1968, p. 26). 2. Each Member State may nominate a second representative of national governments. However, each interest group will be entitled to only one vote per Member State. 3. An alternate member shall be appointed for each member. Without prejudice to Article 7(3), the alternate member shall attend Committee meetings only when the member for whom he or she deputises is unable to be present. 4. Members of the Committee shall be nominated by Member States and appointed by the Commission. The Member States shall endeavour to ensure a balanced repre- sentation of men and women in the composition of the Committee and shall ensure that the necessary range of skills is available to enable the Committee to accomplish its tasks. Atticle 2 1. The Committee shall have the task of assisting the Commission in implementing a Community vocational training policy. 2. Specifically, the Committee shall provide the Commission with opinions on the following matters: (a) questions of general importance or of principle concerning vocational training; (b) questions related to the preparation, implementation, evaluation and optimisation of activities carried out or planned by the Commission in the field of vocational training. It shall also conduct exchanges of views and experience in rela- tion to vocational training. 3. The Commission shall provide the Committee with the necessary information. Article 3 1. The term of office of members shall be three years. Their appointments shall be renewable. 2. On expiry of their term of office, the members shall remain in office until they are replaced or their appointments are renewed.