1. In cases specified in the legislative acts referred to in Article 1(2) and without prejudice to the powers laid down in Article 17, the Authority may assist the competent authorities in reaching an agreement in accordance with the procedure set out in paragraphs 2 to 4 of this Article in either of the following circumstances:

(a) at the request of one or more of the competent authorities concerned where a competent authority disagrees with the procedure or content of an action, proposed action, or inactivity of another competent authority;

(b) in cases where the legislative acts referred to in Article 1(2) provide that the Authority may assist, on its own initiative, where on the basis of objective reasons, disagreement can be determined between competent authorities.

In cases where the legislative acts referred to in Article 1(2) require a joint decision to be taken by competent authorities, and where in accordance with those acts the Authority may assist, on its own initiative in reaching an agreement in accordance with the procedure set out in paragraphs 2 to 4 of this Article, the competent authorities concerned, a disagreement shall be presumed in the absence of a joint decision being taken by those authorities within the time limits set out in those acts.