European Union Council Assembly
The Council of the European Union, a key institution of the European Union, plays a pivotal role in the concrete implementation of EU policy and political coordination by ministers under the terms of the EU treaties. This body is responsible for EU legislation, along with the European Parliament.
The Council's work is prepared administratively and organizationally by its Secretariat, and content-wise by the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper), which meets in two formations (Coreper I and II), as well as numerous Council committees and working groups.
The presidency of the Council meetings rotates every six months according to a predetermined system. The minister from the Member State that holds the Council presidency on a rotating basis presides over the meetings. As of the second half of 2020, Germany, Portugal, and Slovenia formed a trio of member states that held the presidency.
The Council is divided into ten configurations, including General Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Economic and Financial Affairs, Justice and Home Affairs, Employment, Social Policy, Health, and Consumer Affairs, Competitiveness, Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy, Agriculture and Fisheries, Environment, Education, Youth, Culture, and Sport.
For decision-making, the Council requires a qualified majority, typically involving a double majority. This means that decisions must be supported by at least 55% of all Member States, representing at least 65% of the EU's total population.
It is important to note that the Council should not be confused with the European Council, which sets the general political guidelines and priorities. The Foreign Affairs Council, for example, has a permanent chair held by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign and Security Policy, currently Josep Borrell since 2019.
For more information about the Council of the European Union, please visit their official website: www.consilium.europa.eu/en/
In legal terms, the Council is a single body that meets in different configurations. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) plays a crucial role in preparing the Council's work, ensuring that the institution continues to function effectively in its mission to shape the future of the European Union.
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