European Council

Question 1

Two Separate EU institutions and one non-EU institution regarding Councils?

Answer 1

The European Council
The Council of Ministers

Then the Council of Europe (47 member states)

Question 2

Origins of the European Council? Which year was it proposed?

Answer 2

1969 (Hague Summit Meeting) where closer integration between the 6 member states was agreed/

Question 3

What happened in the Paris Agreement in 1974?

Answer 3

The EU leaders decided to introduce a Council which would meet three times a year.

Question 4

When was first EU council meeting?

Answer 4

Dublin 1975

Question 5

How did the Council become formally recognised?

Answer 5

Semi-formalised by Maastricht 1992
Fully recognised by Lisbon 2009.
Meets at least four times a year.

Question 6

Who makes up the Council?

Answer 6

Member States Heads of Government - PMs

President of Commission and High Representative of Foreign Affairs also present

Question 7

How does Council presidency work?

Answer 7

2 and a half year term (renewable)

President convenes and chairs meetings, facilitates agreements and represents the Council in the outside world.

Question 8

Main Functions of the European Council?

Answer 8

Summitry: agenda-setting
Oversight of Treaty Reform
Foreign Policy and Strategy Direction
Resolving EU problems
Key Appointments
Policy Monitoring

Question 9

Origins of the Council of Ministers?

Answer 9

Part of the ECSC (1952)

First meeting also in 1952.

Question 10

Who made up first Council of Ministers?

Answer 10

Konrad Adenauer was the first Chair and there were foreign and economic affairs ministers from the 6 member states.

Question 11

Until 1979, who was the main legislative body within the EU?

Answer 11

The Council of Ministers until the EP gained more power in 1979.

Question 12

What is the Council of Ministers main role?

Answer 12

Represents member states in the EU Process
Legislative and Budgetary Function - adopts the budget and responds to Commission legislation.
Coordinates Member States’ policies - economic stuff.
Develops CFSP and concludes international agremeents
Helps define EU agenda

Question 13

How does Council of Ministers work?

Answer 13

Representatives of specific policy areas from member states are called to attend when their policy area is being discussed.

Question 14

Structure of Council of Ministers?

Answer 14

Rotating Presidency
Meetings organised by policy sectors
Supported by Council Secretariat (3000 staff)

Question 15

What are the three Prepatory bodies of the Council of Ministers?

Answer 15

Working Parties (experts/officials) - exist for specific issues, make majority of decisions, ad hoc or permanent

High level Prepatory bodies - specialist Committees and high level national officials

COREPER - Committee of Permanent Representatives
These are permanent ambassadors to the EU.

Question 16

Council Meetings - how does voting work?

Answer 16

Qualified Majority Voting
Double Majority (since 2014)
55% of member states must vote in favour or something and the 55% must represent at least 65% of EU population.
Block? At least 4 countries must block, representing at least 35% of EU population.

Question 17

There must be unanimity on which issues?

Answer 17

Foreign Policy and Tax

Question 18

How do Member States have a role in EU-Decision Making?

Answer 18

They’re represented in the European Council and Council Of Ministers

In the European Council, they help oversee treaties, and agenda- setting and foreign affairs.

In the Council of Ministers, they have the power to accept, amend or reject legislative proposals.