Conference of the Parties (COP)

The COP is the main decision-making body of the Convention. It is the body of the Carpathian Convention, where all Parties to the Convention are represented. Ordinary meetings are usually held every three years.


The COP is, in particular, responsible for the adoption of Protocols and amendments to the Convention and for the establishment of subsidiary bodies to the Convention. It sets the political direction, decides on the Programme of Work as well as the budget of the Convention, and reviews and supports the implementation of the Convention as well as of its Protocols.

Article 14 of the Carpathian Convention serves the legal basis for the COP.