How the European Parliament works

The Council of the European Union forms the other half of the European Unions legislature, with the Parliament. It also co-ordinates the broad economic policies of the Member States.

The Council defines and implements EU common foreign and security policy, based on guidelines set by the European Council of heads of state. It also concludes international agreements between the EU and other states or international organisations. The Council and the European Parliament together adopt the Community’s budget.

It is sometimes called the Council of Ministers. Not to be confused with the European Council or the Council of Europe.

The Council meets in Brussels, several times a month (but in Luxembourg in April, June and October).

How it works

• The Council is made up of ministers of the Member States, along with the Commissioners responsible for different areas.
• Council minister members are politically accountable to their national parliaments.
• The members meet in nine different committees, deciding in different areas.
• Regardless of the committee that adopts a decision, it is always a Council decision. The committee is not mentioned.
• Decisions are taken by a vote of Ministers from the Member States.
• The Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER) is made up of Brussels-based ‘ambassadors’ of the Member States and their assistants. The work of this Committee involves some 250 committees and working groups consisting of delegates from the Member States. COREPER takes part in preparing the work of the Council and in its decision-making.
• There are three types of vote, depending on the rules of the Treaties for the particular subject:
  • A simple majority - for procedural decisions
  • A qualified majority - a weighted voting system based on the populations of Member States
  • Unanimous - for foreign policy, defence, judicial and police cooperation, and taxation

Presidency of the Council

As a driving force in the legislative and political decision-making process, the Presidency influences the agenda of the Council. It has to organize and chair all meetings and work out compromises to resolve difficulties. The Presidency is held for six months by each Member State on rotation.

Currently the Presidency is held by the Czech Republic. Sweden will take over on July 1st.

Future Presidencies
• Spain - 2010
• Belgium - 2010
• Hungary - 2011
• Poland - 2011
• Denmark - 2012
• Cyprus - 2012
• Ireand - 2013
• Lithuania - 2013
• Greece - 2014
• Italy - 2014

The Committees

General Affairs and External Relations

The General Affairs Council is, together with the Agriculture Council and the Ecofin Council, one of the oldest configurations of the Council. The GAERC meets once a month.

Economic and Financial Affairs

Members are Economics and Finance Ministers. Commonly known as the Ecofin Council, or simply Ecofin. Each year, together with the European Parliament, Ecofin prepares and adopts the budget of the European Union. Ecofin meets once a month.

Justice and Home Affairs (JHA)

Members are Justice ministers and Interior ministers. The JHA meets around 6 times a year.

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs
 Council (EPSCO)

Members are employment, social protection, consumer protection, health and equal opportunities ministers. Meets around four times a year.

Competitiveness


Depending on the agenda, members are European Affairs Ministers, Industry Ministers, and Research Ministers, among others. Meets five or six times a year.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy

Depending on the agenda, members are Ministers for Transport, Telecommunications or Energy. Meets around 6 times a year.

Agriculture and Fisheries

Members are Ministers for Agriculture and Fisheries, and the European Commissioners responsible for agriculture and rural development, fisheries and maritime affairs, as well as consumer health and protection. The work of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council is prepared by 12 working parties spanning 45 subdivisions according to agricultural products or systems. Meets once a month in Brussels and Luxembourg.

Environment Council

Members are environment ministers. Meets about four times a year

Education, Youth and Culture Council

Members are education, culture, youth and communication Ministers. Policies affecting cultural matters are mainly set by individual member states. Meets three or four times a year.

The acts of the Council

Acts can be regulations, directives, decisions, common actions or common positions, recommendations or opinions.

How it works

• The Council can also adopt conclusions, declarations or resolutions.
• In principle, the European Commission makes legislative proposals.
• The Council can modify proposals before adoption.

Voting

• The number of votes each Member State can cast is set by the Treaties.
• The Treaties also define cases in which a simple majority, qualified majority or unanimity are required.
• A qualified majority means a majority of Member States approve.

In some cases a two-thirds majority is needed, or at least 255 votes out of 345.

• A Member State may ask for confirmation that the votes in favour represent at least 62% of the total population of the Union, If not, the decision is not adopted.

Distribution of Council votes for each Member State

General Secretariat of the Council

• Provides intellectual and practical infrastructure
• Practical preparation for meetings
• Assists Presidency in finding compromise solutions.
• Continuity in Council proceedings
• Custody of Council archives and acts.
• Legal Service gives opinions to the Council and its committees.
• Translation, typing, reproduction, circulation and handling of documents.

For further reading visit the Council of the European Union.