Article 15

Decisions, recommendations and opinions of the commission shall state the reasons on which  they are based and shall refer to any opinions, which were required to be obtained.

Where decisions and recommendations are individual in character, they shall become binding  upon being notified to the party concerned.

In all other cases, they shall take effect by the mere fact of publication.

The Commission shall determine the manner in which this Article is to be implemented.

Article 16 ( * )

( * ) As amended by Article H( 3 ) TEU.

The Commission shall make all appropriate administrative arrangements for the operation of  its departments.

It may set up study committees, including an economic study committee.

The Council and the Commission shall consult each other and shall settle by common accord  their methods of cooperation.

The Commission shall adopt its Rules of Procedure so as to ensure that both it and its  departments operate in accordance with the provisions of this Treaty. It shall ensure that these  rules are published.

Article 17 ( ** )

( ** ) Article inserted by Article H( 4 ) TEU.

The Commission shall publish annually, not later than one month before the opening of the  session of the European Parliament, a general report on the activities of the Community.

Article 18

A Consultative Committee shall be attached to the Commission. It shall consist of not less  than 84 and not more than 108 members and shall comprise equal numbers of producers, of  workers and of consumers and dealers. ( * )

( * ) First paragraph as amended by Article 25 AA A/FIN/SWE in the version resulting from  Article 16 AD AA A/FIN/SWE.

The members of the Consultative Committee shall be appointed by the Council.

The Council shall, acting by a qualified majority, determine any payment to be made instead  of remuneration. ( ** )

( ** ) Third paragraph as added by Article H( S ) TEU.

<7>