Council and European Council

What are the main institutions involved in EU decision-making?

The European Commission proposes, and the Council and the European Parliament adopt

What is the difference between the Council and the European Council?

The Council is a legislative body with ministers; the European Council is a strategic body composed of Heads of State or Government

When was the European Council formally established?

With the Lisbon Treaty

Why was the European Council created?

To provide leadership and resolve blockages in EU institutions

What are general and specific duties of the EUCO?

General duty: define EU’s political direction. Specific duties: appointments, external action, security/defence policy, treaty amendments, strategic interests

What role does the EUCO play in treaties?

It can initiate treaty amendments and approve withdrawal of member states

What is the Council’s main legislative role?

Co-legislating with the Parliament and concluding international agreements

Who composes the Council?

Ministers from each member state relevant to the policy area discussed.

Who are the members of the European Council?

Heads of State or Government, President of the Commission, and the High Representative (not formally a member)

Can ministers assist in EUCO meetings?

Yes, but it’s not always the case.

Who sits in the Council meetings?

National ministers depending on the policy area, authorized to commit their government.

What happens if a minister can’t attend?

A permanent representative may attend without voting rights

Name at least 3 Council configurations

ECOFIN, JHA (Justice and Home Affairs), Foreign Affairs.

How many configurations exist?

10 main configurations

Who chairs the Council meetings?

The presidency rotates among member states every 6 months (except for Foreign Affairs, chaired by the High Representative)

What is a Trio Presidency?

A group of three member states coordinating agendas over 18 months.

Who is the current President of the European Council?

António Costa (from 01/12/2024)

What are the President’s main tasks?

Chair EUCO meetings, represent the EU externally, build consensus

What is COREPER?

Committee of Permanent Representatives preparing Council work.

What are COREPER I and II?

COREPER I: technical matters; COREPER II: political matters.

Name two other preparatory committees

Political and Security Committee (PSC), Trade Policy Committee (TPC)

What do working groups do?

Prepare technical details of legislation before it reaches COREPER

What are the three voting rules in the Council?

Unanimity, Qualified Majority Voting (QMV), and Simple Majority.

What is needed for QMV to pass?

55% of member states (15 out of 27) representing at least 65% of the EU population.

What is a blocking minority under QMV?

At least 4 states representing over 35% of the population

What happens when near-blocking minorities form?

The Council often continues negotiations to reach a broader compromise

What document is produced after an EUCO meeting?

The Presidency Conclusions

What is the role of Antici and Mertens groups?

Assist COREPER II and I respectively, manage agendas and brief delegations

What are point I and point II issues in Coreper?

Point I: agreement already reached. Point II: needs political discussion.

What is a “B point” on the Council agenda?

Issues requiring debate in the Council.