During examination, oral proceedings may take place at the EPO's own behest or at the request of the applicant. They are held before the Examining Division itself, in Munich or the Hague, and are not public, in contrast to oral proceedings in opposition, which are public unless very particular circumstances apply. The right to oral proceedings is a specific and codified part of the procedural right to be heard. A decision is typically rendered at the end of the oral proceedings.