expenses of the HCCH through their assessed contributions, which are due annually. The EU also contributes on the basis of contributions that are agreed. The Regulations on Financial Matters and Budgetary Practices of the Hague Conference on Private International Law provide the details in this regard. Connected parties Membership in the HCCH is not a precondition for signing, ratifying, or acceding to one or more Hague Conventions, and a total of 65 non-member states are parties to one or more conventions. HCCH identifies them as "connected parties". Governing bodies The HCCH acts through several governing bodies, which are established under the Statute. The Council on General Affairs and Policy is composed of all members. It is in charge of the operation of the HCCH and its meetings are currently held annually. Through the HCCH's secretariat, the Permanent Bureau, the Council on General Affairs and Policy ensures such operation, including by establishing the HCCH's work programme. The Council of Diplomatic Representatives, composed of all member states, is the supreme financial and budgetary authority of the Conference and exercises oversight of the financial administration of the Conference. Other bodies include the Netherlands Standing Government Committee (instituted by decree on 20 February 1897 to promote the codification of private international law), the Special Commissions, and the Diplomatic Sessions. Permanent Bureau The secretariat of the HCCH, the Permanent Bureau, is established by the Statute of the HCCH. Under the direction of the HCCH's highest governing body, the Council on General Affairs and Policy, the Permanent Bureau is charged with the preparation and organisation of the Sessions of the Hague Conference and the meetings of the Council and any Special Commissions; the work of the Secretariat of the Sessions and meetings; as well as all the tasks which are included in the activity of a secretariat. The Permanent Bureau operates three offices, including the organisation's headquarters in The Hague, as well as its regional offices in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Hong Kong SAR. Hague Conventions and other instruments Since 1955, the HCCH developed 38 international conventions and protocols that establish rules on jurisdiction, applicable law, the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, and on legal and judicial cooperation. They are open for adoption, accession or ratification by any State, including States that are not members of HCCH. In 2015, the HCCH adopted its first soft-law instrument, the Hague Principles on the Choice of Law in