European Union lawLesson 1 of 2 in the course EU institutions

Council of the European Union: Structure, Lawmaking, and Development

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

Save course
Lesson progress
0 / 5

Your progress is kept in this browser only.Sign up to save it

Summary

This lesson introduces the Council of the European Union, its place among EU institutions, and how it represents national governments.

The Council of the European Union is one of the EU’s seven institutions. Treaties and official documents often call it simply the Council; it is also informally known as the Council of Ministers. It is one of the EU’s two legislative bodies, alongside the European Parliament.

All flashcards

What is the Council of the European Union?
It is an EU institution and one of the EU’s two legislative bodies. It represents member-state governments and works with the European Parliament on legislation.
What does “intergovernmental” mean in the Council’s context?
It means attendees represent the executive governments of their member states and bring those governments’ positions to Council discussions.
What is the Council of Ministers?
It is an informal name for the Council of the European Union.
Why does Council membership vary between meetings?
The ministers attending depend on the subject. Ministers responsible for the policy area under discussion attend the relevant Council configuration.
What roles do the Commission, Council, and Parliament play in legislation?
The Commission normally proposes legislation; the Council and Parliament examine proposals and, in most areas, must both agree for a law to be adopted.

Quiz questions

  1. How do three successive member states coordinate their Council presidencies?Answer: They form a Presidency trio and coordinate a common programme.
  2. Who chairs the Foreign Affairs Council?Answer: The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
  3. If disagreement remains in the ordinary legislative procedure, which body may seek a joint text?Answer: A Conciliation Committee with equal numbers of Council representatives and MEPs.
  4. What is COREPER’s principal role in Council work?Answer: Preparing Council business and coordinating work before ministers consider issues.
  5. Which statement distinguishes the European Council from the Council of the European Union?Answer: The European Council brings together national leaders and sets broad political direction.

Based on the Wikipedia article Council of the European Union, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

More in European Union law

All European Union law lessons
European Union lawPrimacy of EU Law: Court Duties, Constitutional Limits, and National Approaches5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →European Union lawTFEU Origins, Treaty Framework, and Seven-Part Structure5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →European Union lawEU Direct Effect: Treaty Rules, Directives, and National Procedure5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →European Union lawEuropean Parliament: Representation, Lawmaking and Accountability5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →European Union lawArticle 267 TFEU: Preliminary References, Duties, Scope, and Effects5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →European Union lawEU Competition Law: Treaty Rules, Enforcement, and Market Conduct5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →