Guidelines for Examination

if the earlier examination proceedings were of considerably longer duration than usual; 

if the opposition proceedings have already extended over a considerably longer period than usual; 

if a party to the proceedings has submitted a reasoned request for accelerated processing in a case where an infringement action in respect of the European patent is pending before a national court of a Contracting State, or if the EPO is informed by a national court or competent authority of a Contracting State that infringement actions are pending (Notice from the EPO dated 17 March 2008, OJ EPO 2008, 221);

if other matters to be dealt with, e.g. divisional applications, hinge upon the final decision concerning the opposition; or 

if the next procedural step can be dealt with relatively quickly.