The Council of the European Union (the Council) is made up of EU government ministers and it is the main decision-making institution. Council meetings are attended by representatives from each member state at a ministerial level who meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies. The Council of the European Union has both legislative and executive powers. The Council of the European Union is the main decision-making body of the European Union. It shares responsibility with the European Parliament for adopting EU laws.

In addition to being one of the main legislative bodies, the Council also has policy-making and coordination functions. Moreover, it coordinates the broad economic policy of the EU member states; Within the framework of the common foreign and security policy, the Council develops common positions and makes decisions on joint measures; signs agreements between the European Union and other countries; develops the foreign and defense policy of the European Union; Coordinates the cooperation of courts and law enforcement agencies of member states.

The Council of the European Union, together with the European Parliament, approves the EU budget submitted to it by the European Commission; Also, approves members of the European Court of Auditors of the European Union and other bodies. The Council has a mechanism to control the European Commission and the European Parliament.

Under the Treaty of Lisbon, greater attention is paid to Trio under which three presidencies work together. The trio sets long-term goals and prepares a common agenda determining the topics and major issues that will be addressed by the Council over an 18 month period. Each member of the trio chairs all configurations of the Council for a 6-month period, except for the Foreign Affairs configuration. Each member of the trio can set out their own more detailed six months priorities. However, Trio must focus on the common ground and agree on sustained work over the 18-month period.

At the level of ministers of member states, the Council consists of 9 configurations: 1. General Affairs Council; 2. Economic and Financial Affairs Council; 3. Justice and Home Affairs Council; 4. Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council; 5. Competition Council 6. Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council 7. Environment Council 8. Agriculture and Fisheries Council 9. Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council. Yet another conficuration of the Council is Foreign Affairs Council headed by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

In addition to adopting legislative acts, developing general foreign and security policies, signing international agreements and reviewing the EU budget, the Council of the European Union coordinates the national macroeconomic policies of the member states. Decisions are made by simple majority, qualified majority or unanimous vote. The vast majority of issues in the Council are adopted by qualified majority, others – by unanimous vote (for example, issues relating to foreign policy or tax harmonization).