(1) The parties shall negotiate or work together, as the case may be, in a spirit of cooperation with due regard for their reciprocal rights and obligations, and taking into account the interests both of the SE and of the employees.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), "the parties" means: (a) the competent organs of the participating companies and the special negotiating body, in relation to reaching an agreement in accordance with Regulation 8 on arrangements for the involvement of the employees within the SE; (b) the competent organ of the SE and the representative body; and (c) the supervisory or administrative organ of the SE and the employees or their representatives (or both), with regard to a procedure for the information and consultation of employees.