The Council

Question 1

Duties of The Council

Answer 1

• exercise legislative and budgetary functions
• international negotiations
• other bodies: General Affairs Council (ensure consistency in its work), Foreign Affairs Council (external action)
• meetings usually behind closed doors

Question 2

Composition of The Council

Answer 2

Representatives of the MS

• federalised states may be represented by members of regional government, if they are committed to federal government
• if member prevented from attending, permanent representative may represent (without voting rights)
• meetings in different configurations (for different areas)
• > up to 5 ministers may participate as full members

Question 3

Presidency of The Council

Answer 3

• held by MS on basis of equal rotation: pre-established groups of 3 MS for 18 months
• each trio comes up with its own programme (in coordination with EC)

Note: Foreign Affairs Council chaired by High Representative

Question 4

Coreper

Answer 4

• Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Government of the Member States
• usually very senior ambassadors of MS
• preparing the work for the Council

Question 5

Perm Reps

Answer 5

• permanent representation of a Member State

- large groups of experts, diplomats, …

Question 6

Coreper I and II

Answer 6

Coreper I: Permanent representatives
-> more legislative and technical issues

Coreper II: Deputy Permanent representatives
-> political dossiers

Often Sec.Gen., Council’s legal services, EC staff are present at meetings

Question 7

Other assisting to the Council

Answer 7

Commitees prepare council meetings but can not prepare legislative actions (legislative actions -> Coreper).

• Economic and social committee
• Employment committee
• Trade Policy Committee (TPC)
• Political and security committee (PSC)
• Standing committee on Operational Coorperation on Internal Security (COSI)
• Social protection committee

Question 8

Working groups

Answer 8

• > The level below Coreper:
• technical details of legislation
• experts of the pemreps or seconded from national administrations

Question 9

Secretary General

Answer 9

• prepare (European) Council meetings
• legal service
• expertise
• assist Presidency in its tasks
• can represent the Council in the EP, EP committee
• very influential (often serves as “memory” of the Council)

Question 10

The (European) Council - Decision-making

Answer 10

Unanimity:

• abstention does not count as a ‘no’ vote
• Foreign and security policy, Defence matters, Justice and home affairs, Tax harmonisation, social security, etc.

Qualified majority:

• on most issues with respect to the internal policies
• 55% of MS; 65% of EU population needed
• blocking minority possible (min. 4 MS, 35% of population)

Simple majority (Procedural issues): 15 MS (!)

Question 11

Evidence on QMV

Answer 11

Empirics imply that opposing positions change:

• > governments vote in support of issue
• > possible explanation: show the MS public that one was against it, expression of disapproval which does not hold until the very end of voting procedure (especially if topic is very salient)

Even if QMV is sufficient, EC tries to establish consensus -> opposition during voting is rare

Question 12

The Council - working procedures

Answer 12

• Proposal comes to Council
• Working groups or committees with technical expertise will discuss the proposal
• > Agreement: Point I (about 70%, usually no further problems)
• > No agreement: Point II (-> political discussion in Coreper as compromise-promoting body; agreement: Point A on Council meeting; no agreement: Point B on agenda)
• Council: discuss B points