The Council of Ministers Flashcards
Power
• Decision making
The Council makes most policy decisions and has an effective apparatus for preparing and coordinating national responses to policy proposals
What areas do the Council of Minister have the power to make decision?
The Council ratifies decision, and in its various forms it deals with such key issues as trade, environment, budget, foreign relations employment rights
Power
• Negotiations
The Council is where key inter-ministerial negotiations take place
The Council of Minister’s power in comparison to the Commission
The Commission is mainly limited to making policy proposals
The Council of Minister’s power in comparison to the European Parliament
The European Parliament must be consulted on policy but, in most cases, the Council’s position prevails over that of the Parliament
Limitation
• Policy formulation
Much of the real policy formulation goes on in other institutions – Commission, Parliament, COREPER. The Council is only the final ratification
Limitation
• negotiation
Much real negotiation goes on outside the Council, between ministers from the larger member states
Limitation
•In comparison to the Commission in shaping policy
The Commission initiates, and therefore shapes, policy. It remains closely involved in all discussions that take place while proposals are being debated by other bodies
Limitation
• In comparison to the Commission in implementing policy
The Commission is responsible for implementing and enforcing policy, and enjoys substantial discretion as to how this is done
Limitation
• In comparison to the Commission in foreign policy
The Commission has responsibility for specific areas of foreign policy, especially trade and for negotiations with applicant states. The creation of a new President of the EU and High Representative have the potential to erode the position of the Council
Limitation by the European Parliament
The European Parliament, since the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty, becomes the equal of the Council in almost all EU legislation
Example of national veto
Belgium managed to postpone the EU-Canada trade deal, as the local people fear that the deal would threaten their local business and employment rate.
How does national veto work in the Council?
Member states are given the right to strike down international agreements
What does a national veto protect?
A national veto allows member states to protect their national interest and sovereignty in matters such as foreign policy or human rights.
Example of veto to protect national interest
• CEAT
The EU stopped the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, as many feared would stifle fundamental freedoms.
Why is national veto important?
A national veto concerns the scope of EU legislation, as EU laws have a direct effect and primacy over member states’ laws.
How does the blocking minority work?
A blocking minority is available in the Council, requiring at least four states representing 35% of the population of the EU.
The Council is an effective defender of national interest
• Final arbiter
The final arbiter of EU policy and operates on an intergovernmental basis
The Council is an effective defender of national interest
• COREPER
Supported by COREPER, which monitors all EU developments on the same intergovernmental basis
Representation in national governments
As most national governments are elected by the people directly, they are indirectly representing their citizens at the EU level
Representation in national governments
• For changes
By voting to change the national governments, citizens are changing the way their views are represented in the EU as well
