I. – The Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Council is consulted by the Territorial Council on the preparation and implementation of the Nation’s plan in the collectivity, on the distribution and use of State appropriations intended for investments of interest to the collectivity, on the preparation of the sustainable development and development plan for Saint-Barthélemy, as well as on the general guidelines of the draft budget of the collectivity.
The Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Council gives its opinion on the results of their implementation.
II. – The Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Council is consulted:
1° On draft and proposed acts of the Territorial Council of an economic, social, cultural and environmental nature;
2° On draft and proposed deliberations setting the main guidelines for the island’s economic, social, cultural and environmental development, including sustainable development.
III. – It has a period of time in which to give its opinion:
1° In the cases provided for in I and 2° of II, of one month, reduced to fifteen days in the event of an emergency declared by the President of the Territorial Council;
2° In the case provided for in 1° of the same II, of twelve clear days, reduced to one clear day in the event of an emergency declared by the President of the Territorial Council.
On expiry of this period, the opinion is deemed to have been given.
IV. – By a two-thirds majority of its members, the Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Council decides to carry out studies on matters within its remit.
It may also, on its own initiative, give its opinion on any proposed deliberation.
It may also be asked for its opinion by the representative of the State in economic, social, cultural or environmental matters.
V. – The reports and opinions of the Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Council are made public.