EU-Actors: Council of the European Union

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.

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."