Along with the European Parliament , the Council forms the legislative branch of the EU. Where the Parliament represents the interests of the EU citizens, the Council represents the interests of the member countries.
There are six main roles performed by the Council:
- Passing of laws: Sharing with the Parliament the power of voting for, and passing EU laws which are initiated by the European Commission.
- Coordinate economic policies: Ensure an overall economic policy based on close co-ordination between member countries.
- Budget Control: Approve the EU budget in conjunction with the Parliament.
- Finalize international agreements: Signature power and responsibility over agreements between the EU and other countries.
- Develop common foreign and security policies: Although member states of the EU have not pooled their sovereignty in areas of national defense, the Council strives to build the Common Foreign and Security Policy in cooperation with member states.
- Foster cooperation between police and national courts: Ensure that EU citizens have equal access to civil justice no matter which country they are residing in the EU.
Composition of the Council
The Council is composed of one minister from each country. However, the composition of he council depends on the subject matter of the meeting. For example, a meeting on EU health issues would be comprised of the health ministers of each EU member state.
