Council of the European Union

The ‘Council of the European Union’ should not be confused with the ‘European Council’ as these are two distinct entities within the institutional framework of the European Union, each with its own specific role and function.

European Council and Council of the European Union Justus Lipsius Building in Brussels, Rue de la Loi 175
European Council and Council of the European Union Justus Lipsius Building in Brussels, Rue de la Loi 175

The ‘Council of the European Union’ is one of the three main institutions of the European Union along with the European Commission and the European Parliament. It is often called the ‘Council of Ministers’ or just the ‘Council’. The Council meets in 10 different configurations of 27 national ministers responsible for the particular policy under consideration.

The Council of the European Union negotiates and adopts EU laws, together with the European Parliament, based on proposals from the European Commission. It also coordinates EU countries’ policies, concludes agreements between the EU and other countries or international organisations, and adopts the annual EU budget jointly with the European Parliament.

The ‘Council of the European Union’ is often confused with the ‘European Council‘ (EUCO), the latter being composed of heads of government (prime ministers) of EU Member States and defining the general political directions and priorities of the European Union.

Read more: Wikipedia article about the ‘Council of the European Union’.



QUESTIONS ABOUT EU JOBS?

MOST POPULAR

ARTICLE TOPICS

LATEST COMMENTS

  1. Official cohabitation counts as family and entitles you to the allowance. In case it’s relevant to anyone, same sex couples…

  2. Institutions usually recalculate entitlements if circumstances change. There is usually a delay, but you get your money in a few…

Wijngaardstraat 10
Zaventem, Brussels, B-1932
Belgium