Council
The European Union (EU Council) is an important decision-making body that participates in
adoption of legislative acts, coordination of Member States' policies, development
Common foreign and security policy, budget adoption and closure
international treaties. The EU Council represents the interests of the Member States. Ministers
all Member States meet in ten configurations,
dependence on the topic discussed. Under the Lisbon Treaty, the Presidency
EU Councils implemented on a rotational basis by Member States in advance
Groups of three Member States, the so-called Trio Presidency, during the 18-year period
months.
President Trio sets long-term objectives and prepares a common 18-month
a programme identifying the topics and main issues to be addressed by the Council. Na
on the basis of this programme, each of the three countries holding the Presidency will then draw up
own a more detailed 6-month programme.
From the perspective of the Member State, the Presidency's performance is one of the most important and most demanding tasks of EU membership. Major The Presidency's task is to lead and oversee the proper conduct of negotiations during the meetings of the EU Council formations (except the Foreign Affairs Council) and its preparatory bodies. Within them, the Presidency plays a key role in seeking compromises between Member States.
The Presidency also represents the Council of the EU in relation to others EU institutions, in particular the European Commission and the European Parliament. In this through effective communication and cooperation reaching agreement on legislative proposals by means of 'trilogues'; informal discussions and Conciliation Committee meetings. The Presidency shall also: hold various formal and informal meetings in Brussels as well as at home soil where it develops its priorities and draws attention to current challenges.