What is the Council?

The role of the European Council and the Council of the EU explained

The European Council

The European Council consists of the heads of state or government of the EU's member states, together with its President and the European Commission President. It defines the EU's general political direction and priorities.

• The European Council
• Setting the EU's political agenda
• The President of the European Council

The Council of the EU

The Council of the EU represents the member states' governments. Informally also known as the EU Council, it is where national ministers from each EU country meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies.

• The Council of the European Union
• Council configurations
• The presidency of the Council of the EU
• Eurogroup