Paula Cortes

Council of the European Union

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.