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The European Council
The European Council is the EU institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union. It consists of the heads of state or government of the member states, together with its President and the President of the Commission.
Read more about the role of the European Council
The Council of the European Union
The Council of the EU is the institution representing the member states' governments. Also known informally as the EU Council, it is where national ministers from each EU country meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies.
Read more about the work of the Council
Policies
The Council of the EU and the European Council work on a wide range of issues affecting the interests of the EU and its citizens.
Follow the latest developments on policy-making and on legislation under negotiation.
See all policies
Meetings
The European Council brings together EU leaders at least four times a year.
The Council of the EU meets in different configurations depending on the topic discussed.
Committees and working parties handle the preparatory work on files before they are discussed at Council meetings.
See all meetings
Documents & Publications
Council and European Council documents are made available through the public register, in accordance with EU rules on transparency.
You can also take a look at Council publications, access the archives and search for legislation that the Council negotiates together with the European Parliament.
Find out more about documents and publications
Press office
The press office is the first point of contact for all media requests. Press officers speak 'off the record' about the Council's activities.
The press office holds press events, offers audiovisual coverage of major events and provides facilities for journalists.
Find out more about press services
Contact
The headquarters of the Council of the EU and the European Council are located in Brussels (Belgium).
You can get in contact to arrange a visit, ask questions about the work of both institutions, and request a document, among other services.
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Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 B-1048 Bruxelles/Brussel Belgique/België
Tel: +32 22816111 Fax: +32 22816934
Public information service
Tel: +32 22815650
Fax: +32 22814977
Visits service
Tel: +32 22812140
Tel: +32 22816319
Send an email
President secretariat