Council of the European Union

The Council of the European Union, often called the Council of Ministers, is one of the European Union's two main legislative bodies, representing the governments of the member states. Government ministers meet in different configurations according to the policy area under discussion, such as economic affairs, foreign affairs, or justice and home affairs. Together with the European Parliament, the Council adopts EU legislation and the budget, and it coordinates policies among member states in areas including economic policy and foreign and security policy. Voting is conducted by unanimity or qualified majority depending on the subject. The Council is distinct from the European Council, which brings together heads of state or government, and from the Council of Europe, a separate international organization.