There will be five Drafting Teams, relating to the INSPIRE requirements: Metadata, Data Specifications, Network services, Data and Service Sharing and Monitoring and Reporting (WP. Ch. 4. 10-12, Ch. 7, 25-36)

The drafting teams will have the tasks of checking the coherence of the various input coming from the SDICs and transforming them in draft implementing rules. The drafting teams will bring experts from the different SDICs together, pooling their expertise in the various fields of application. The Drafting Teams (assisted by the Consolidation Team) could facilitate cooperation between different SDICs and agreement in case of divergent opinions

Each Drafting Team will be composed of a limited number (typically 4 to 5) of highly qualified experts.

The curriculum vitae and other information that the selection panel may have about the proposed expert will be used to see to which extent the candidate matches a set of general and specific criteria. These criteria are listed in the WP. Ch 8.2, 49-50. Eventually a balance should be ensured between experts from Public Administration, Private sector and Research institutions.

It is difficult to assess the estimated input required for the individual members of a DT. However, the amount of time committed by a SDIC/LMO will be used as a selection criteria for the expert. In particular this will be used in the selection of the DT leader.

Similar to the working groups which drafted the INSPIRE orientation and position papers, participation in Drafting Teams will be done on a voluntary basis. Funding resources from the Commission will be available to cover participation to the kick-off meeting and to co-ordination meetings with the Consolidation Team. (WP. Ch. 8.2, 45-51)

There is one Consolidation Team only; it is installed by the European Commission and consists of Commission staff. The CT is assisted by the EEA and by the chairs of the DTs and a small number of temporary additional experts appointed by the Commission when appropriate.

Funding of the Consolidation Team activities is ensured through the budget of the Commission Services involved in INSPIRE. Funding resources from the Commission will be also available to cover participation of DT leaders and selected experts to co-ordination meetings with the CT. (WP. Ch. 8.3, 51-53)

Yes, INSPIRE is an open ESDI Initiative and appreciates input (reference material, piloting, etc.) from any spatial-interested Initiative. The implementation of INSPIRE can not be undertaken in isolation from international and global initiatives to which many EU Member States and EFTA countries' institutions participate. The development procedures of the INSPIRE Implementing Rules will therefore entail the possibility for relevant international global initiatives to contribute. (WP. Ch. 5, 15-17)

Yes, experts can be proposed by non EU initiatives/organisations.

A Microsoft version of the preparation form has been prepared and can be used for the preparation of replies. However, submissions must be made via the on-line registration form