European Council

Question 1

What is the main role of the EU Council?

Answer 1

Defines the general direction and priorities of the Eu + sets the political agenda setter of the EU

Question 2

Who are the members of the EU Council?

Answer 2

Head of State/Head of Government of Eu MS + President of the Eu Council + President of the Eu Commission
It represents the HIGHEST LEVEL OF POLITICAL COOPERATION between EU Member States

Question 3

In which cases can the EU Council legislate?

Answer 3

1. in cases related to the PROTECTION OF EU FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
2. in cases related to the AMENDMENT OF TREATIES

Question 4

What does the EU Council do?

Answer 4

1. defines the political direction and priorities of the EU
2. deals with sensitive and complex issues that cannot be resolved at lower level of intergovernmental cooperation
3. establishes common foreign and security policy taking into account EU strategic interests and defence implications
4. nominates and appoints candidates to certain high level EU roles such as the ECB and the Commission

Question 5

How does the EU Council work?

Answer 5

• It meets 4 times a year: in case of urgent matters the President may call extraordinary meetings
• it generally decides issues by CONSENSUS, but in some cases UNANIMITY and QUALIFIED MAJORITY voting are required