Council of the European Union

The Council of the European Union, sometimes called the Council of Ministers, is one of the European Union's two main legislative bodies, alongside the European Parliament. It represents the governments of EU member states, with ministers meeting in different configurations according to the policy area under discussion. It is based in Brussels. The Council negotiates and adopts EU laws, usually jointly with the European Parliament, coordinates member-state policies, and concludes international agreements. In migration and asylum matters, it is a key forum where member states negotiate common rules and operational arrangements. Its role is collective decision-making among governments; it is distinct from the European Council, which sets overall political direction, and from the Council of Europe, a separate organisation.