The Council of the European Union, often referred to simply as the Council, is one of the main institutions of the European Union. It represents the member states and plays a crucial role in the EU's decision-making process. Here are some key aspects of the Council of the European Union:
Composition: The Council is composed of government ministers from the EU member states who are responsible for specific policy areas. The configuration and composition of the Council vary depending on the policy area being discussed. For example, there are different configurations for areas such as agriculture, finance, foreign affairs, and justice.
Legislative role: The Council shares legislative power with the European Parliament. It is responsible for adopting EU laws and regulations based on proposals made by the European Commission and amendments suggested by the European Parliament. The Council's approval is required for most EU legislation to be enacted.
Policy coordination: The Council coordinates the EU's policies and actions. It discusses and sets the EU's strategic priorities, coordinates the positions of member states, and ensures policy coherence among different areas. The Council facilitates cooperation and consensus-building among member states to achieve common objectives.
International agreements: The Council is responsible for negotiating and concluding international agreements on behalf of the EU. It represents the EU in negotiations with non-EU countries and international organisations. The Council's decisions to enter into international agreements are subject to the approval of the European Parliament in certain cases.
Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP): The Council plays a central role in the EU's foreign and security policy. It defines and implements the EU's CFSP, which covers areas such as peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and crisis management. Decision-making in CFSP matters requires unanimity among member states.
Economic and monetary union (Eurozone): For member states that have adopted the euro as their currency, the Council monitors and coordinates economic and monetary policies. It works in collaboration with the European Central Bank and provides guidance on issues such as fiscal policies, exchange rate policies, and financial stability.
Decision-making process: The Council operates based on different decision-making procedures depending on the policy area being addressed. The most common procedure is the Ordinary Legislative Procedure, which involves the Council's decision in conjunction with the European Parliament. In some cases, the Council can make decisions by unanimity or qualified majority voting, depending on the policy area and the provisions of the EU treaties.
Presidency: The Council is led by a rotating presidency that changes every six months. Each member state holds the presidency in turn, during which it sets the agenda, chairs meetings, and represents the Council externally. The presidency plays a crucial role in facilitating discussions, promoting consensus, and driving the Council's work during its term.
Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER): The COREPER assists the Council in its work. It is composed of senior diplomats from member states who prepare the Council's meetings and provide advice on various policy issues. The COREPER ensures continuity and coordination among member states' positions and contributes to the Council's decision-making process.
The Council of the European Union represents the interests of member states in the EU's decision-making process. It plays a crucial role in adopting EU laws, coordinating policies, and ensuring policy coherence among member states. Through its work, the Council shapes the EU's agenda and contributes to the effective governance and functioning of the EU.
You can learn more about this topic with our EU Law notes.
