monitoring procedure
By signing the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages the signatory states undertook to draw up a report every three years on the implementation of the Charter, which would be examined by an independent committee of experts (COMEX). The committee would prepare and submit a report with recommendations for adoption to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities also stipulates reporting obligations for States Parties in five-year cycles. To monitor implementation, the Framework Convention established an Advisory Committee of independent experts which prepares an opinion and submits it to the Committee of Ministers. The Committee of Ministers formulates conclusions and recommendations. In addition to the examination of country reports, both monitoring committees include consultations with the national and linguistic minority communities concerned, NGOs, research institutions as well as central and regional state institutions, usually during one-week country visits. They receive and process information material known as parallel or shadow reports which is usually sent to them by the civil rights organisations of the contracting states. In 2019 changes were introduced in the procedures of both monitoring committees. Among other things the follow-up system, through which Member States’ performance on recommendations is discussed at the mid-point of reporting periods, has been strengthened. In addition the internal timing of the monitoring periods has been changed.