Value proposition

27 EU governments making decisions together in the European Council & the Council of the EU. Learn, participate, share.

The Council is the main decision-making body of the European Union; it is composed of the ministers of the Member States.

— The Council of the European Union passes laws (usually legislating jointly with the European Parliament).
— The Council coordinates the broad economic policies of the Member States.
— The Council defines and implements the EU’s common foreign and security policy, based on guidelines set by the European Council.
— The Council concludes, on behalf of the Community and the Union, international agreements between the EU and one or more states or international organisations.
— The Council coordinates the actions of Member States and adopts measures in the area of police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters.
— The Council and the European Parliament constitute the budgetary authority that adopts the Community’s budget.

The presidency of the Council is held for six months by each Member State on a rotational basis.

European Union