Brussels, 14/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - Monday's External Relations Council adopted its common action on the European Weapons Agency. Portugal finally lifted its reservation on the text after it had been amended by the Committee of Permanent Representatives. Member States finally reached an agreement on how the agency would work and which would be directly accountable to the Council. The management committee, chaired by CFSP High Representative, will consist of defence ministers and a Commission representative. The Council will decide by unanimity on what broad guidelines it will have to follow. As the management committee, decisions will generally be taken by qualified majority. the agency will be based in Brussels and will begin its activities with a team of 25 members. This figure could rise to 80 by 2005. (EUROPE will return to this subject).