The Council of the European Union, also called the "Council of Ministers", is composed of the competent ministers of all EU Member States, which is why it can appear in ten different Council formations. Together with the European Parliament and the Commission, the Council of the EU negotiates and adopts legal acts within the framework of the ordinary legislative procedure and is responsible for its implementation in the respective Member States, which is why it fulfils both legislative and executive functions. Since 1 November 2014, the so-called "double majority" has been required for the adoption of decisions, i.e. at least 55% of all member states, which also represent at least 65% of the total EU population, must agree. Exceptions are sensitive matters such as foreign policy and taxation, which require unanimity. For procedural and administrative matters, a simple majority is sufficient.
Presidency
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union rotates among the EU member states every six months. During the six month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council of the European Union (together with the European Parliament the legislative organ of the EU), helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work in the Council.
Current presidency: Hungary
Council presidencies up to 2024
2024
Belgium: January - June 2024
Hungary: July - December 2024
2023
Sweden: January - June 2023
Spain: July - December 2023
2022
France: January- June 2022
Czech Republic: July - December 2022
2021
Portugal: Januar - Juni 2021
Slovenia: July - December 2021
2020
Croatia: January - June 2020
Germany: July - December 2020
2019
Romania: January - June 2019
Finland: July - December 2019
1951
Founding of the ECSC
10
Different compositions of the Council of Ministers
34 %
of EU citizens do not understand how the EU works (2021)
Role and Responsibilities
Art.16 (1) TEU: ,,The Council shall, jointly with the European Parliament, exercise legislative and budgetary functions. It shall carry out policy-making and coordinating functions as laid down in the Treaties."
Members
Art. 16 (2) TEU: ,,The Council shall consist of a representative of each Member State at ministerial level, who may commit the government of the Member State in question and cast its vote."