to commence mediation. The mediator’s proposal or conclusion shall not be binding for the parties, who reserve the right to bring the dispute before the courts, in accordance with paragraph 1 and 2 above. 

7. Within 2 (two) weeks of the date of notification of the proposal by the mediator, the parties can conclude a written agreement, duly signed by all parties, based on the proposal. The parties further agree to share equally the costs of mediation, which will not include any other costs incurred by a party in connection with the mediation. 

## Means of communication 

## Article II-26 

1. Any communication of information, notices or documents under the Framework Contract  must: 

i. be made in writing in paper or electronic format in the language of the Framework Contract ; 

ii. bear the Framework Contract  number and, if applicable, the Specific Contract  or Purchase Order  number; 

iii. be made using the relevant communication details set out in the Special Conditions; 

iv. be sent by mail or email, as applicable or, for documents specified in the Special Conditions, via the e-System . 

2. If, exceptionally, a party requests paper-based confirmation of an e-mail within a reasonable time, the other party must provide a paper version of the communication as soon as possible signed by a legally authorised signatory. 

3. The parties agree that e-mail is a valid means of communication at working level and may be used for Formal notification provided that communication is made between legally authorised representatives. 

4. E-mail is deemed to have been received by the receiving party on the day of dispatch by the sending party of that e-mail, provided that it is sent to the e-mail address indicated in Article I-8 (“General administrative provisions”). The sending party must be able to prove the date of dispatch. In the event that the sending party receives a non-delivery report, it must make every effort to ensure that the other party actually receives the communication by email or mail. Provided these steps are taken, the sending party is not in breach of its obligation to send such communication within a specified deadline. 

5. Regular mail sent to Europol is deemed to have been received by Europol on the date on which the Europol Security unit registers it (date of Europol stamp). 

6. Formal notifications are considered to have been received by the receiving party on the date of receipt indicated in the proof received by the sending party that the notification was delivered to the recipient identified at paragraph 3 above. 

7. In addition, the Contractor acknowledges and agrees that its Personnel  may be required to fill in – in addition to or instead of written (paper) Timesheets - electronic Timesheets based on a software application of Europol’s choice. Europol retains such information in its systems for the period required for the implementation of a Specific Contract  and/or Purchase Order under this Framework Contract and discharge of Europol’s obligations under its financial legal regime. 

