Political Declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom

 
 
127.
 
The Joint Committee should comprise the Parties' representatives at an appropriate level, 
establish its own rules of procedures, reach decisions by mutual consent, and meet as often 
as required to fulfil its tasks. As necessary, it could establish specialised sub-committees to 
assist it in the performance of its tasks.
 
C. Interpretation
128.
 
In full respect of the autonomy of the Parties' legal orders, the Union and the United 
Kingdom will seek to ensure the consistent interpretation and application of the future 
relationship.
 
D. Dispute settlement
129.
 
The Parties should first make every attempt to resolve any matter concerning the operation 
of the future relationship through discussion and consultation
, 
including through the Joint 
Committee, if necessary for formal resolution. The Agreement should include appropriate 
arrangements for dispute settlement and enforcement, including provisions for expedient 
problem-solving such as, in certain areas, a flexible mediation mechanism. Such a mediation 
mechanism would be without prejudice to the Parties' rights and obligations or to dispute 
settlement provided for under the Agreement. 
 
130.
 
Unless otherwise provided, the Joint Committee may agree to refer the dispute to an 
independent arbitration panel at any time, and either Party should be able to do so where the 
Joint Committee has not arrived at a mutually satisfactory resolution within a defined period 
of time. The decisions of the independent arbitration panel will be binding on the Parties.
 
 
131.
 
The Parties indicate that should a dispute raise a question of interpretation of provisions or 
concepts of Union law, which may also be indicated by either Party, the arbitration panel 
should refer the question to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) as the sole 
arbiter of Union law, for a binding ruling as regards the interpretation of Union law. 
Conversely, there should be no reference to the CJEU where a dispute does not raise such a 
question.