The Council of the European Union (also known as the EU Council) brings together ministerial representatives of the governments of the EU Member States to adopt law and co-ordinate policy.

Member State governments in turn chair the Council’s meetings and represent the Council.  The presidencies of the Council of the European Union traditionally establish a set of broad political priorities and a work programme.

What does it do?

1. Passes EU laws
2. Coordinates the broad economic policies of EU member countries
3. Signs agreements between the EU and other countries
4. Approves the annual EU budget
5. Develops the EU's foreign and defence policies
6. Coordinates cooperation between courts and police forces of member countries

Chairing the meetings

The foreign ministers’ Council has a permanent chairperson – the EU's High Representative for foreign and security policy.  All other Council meetings are chaired by the relevant minister of the country holding the rotating EU presidency.  For example, any environment Council meeting in the period when Estonia holds the presidency will be chaired by the Estonian environment minister.

Presidencies 2011-2020

• Poland July-December 2011 Programme of Polish Presidency (PDF 1.3mb)
• Denmark January-June 2012
• Cyprus July-December 2012
• Ireland January-June 2013
• Lithuania July-December 2013
• Greece January-June 2014
• Italy July-December 2014
• Latvia January-June 2015
• Luxembourg July-December 2015
• Netherlands January-June 2016
• Slovakia July-December 2016
• Malta January-June 2017
• United Kingdom July-December 2017
• Estonia January-June 2018
• Bulgaria July-December 2018
• Austria January-June 2019
• Romania July-December 2019
• Finland January-June 2020