even

[Hanka]

Hi,

I have the following sentence:

The parties will have to meet and agree on adjusting prices, even before the end of the valid price period.

Does "even" here mean:
1) that they must meet and agree before the end of the valid price period
2) that they can (but are not obliged) to meet and agree before the end of the valid price period

Thank you very much.

Hanka

[Casiopea]

My choice, 1).