THE ORIGINS OF THE EU AND THE EU INSTITUTIONS - The EU's political institutions - The Council

5 important questions on THE ORIGINS OF THE EU AND THE EU INSTITUTIONS - The EU's political institutions - The Council

Who is in the Council and what can it be compared to?

It is made up of ministers from Member States' governments. Because of this it is an intergovernmental institution. Rules on composition and functioning are set out in art. 16 TEU and art. 237-243 TFEU.
The Council is comparable to the upper chamber.

What is the composition of the Council?

The Council consists of national ministers that represent their Member State's government. It doesn't have a fixed membership. It is made up of different ministers, depending on the subject matter. The Member State decide who will be the representative.

What are the Council's powers?

  • It has legislative and budgetary functions, jointly with the EP. In ordinary legislative procedure is is equal to the EP. In special legislative procedure it only needs to consult the EP.
  • It has to carry out policy-making and coordinating functions as laid down in the Treaties.
  • In limited number of cases: the power to adopt implementing measures.
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How does Council Presidencies work?

Historically presidency was held by each Member State for 6 months. Now it is held by groups of 3 Member States working together. In practice, each Member State takes the main role for 6 months.
Presidency means that the Member State is responsible for scheduling and chairing most Council meetings.
The Member State with presidency can set the agenda and select certain disputes it will try to resolve.

What other aspects are there on the Functioning of the Council?

The Council is assisted by a Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper). Coreper II deals with high politics (like general and foreign affairs). Coreper I deals with low politics, so subject matters of the remaining 6 council configurations.
Beneath the Corepers, the council is assisted by a number of working groups and committees. These and the codepers both prepare the Council's work and cannot take legally binding decisions.

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