Parliament and the Council of the European Union

The Council of the European Union, the Union’s other legislative body, which is made up of ministers from the Member States, is a participant in the work of the European Parliament. The Council presidency is a rotating one: it is held by each Member State in turn for a six month period.

• The Council of the European Union, represented by its President, can contribute to any of the debates in plenary.
  
  
• At the beginning of each presidency the President of the Council of the European Union presents his/her programme to Parliament in plenary, and initiates a debate with the Members. At the end of the six-month presidency the President gives a final report to the European Parliament.

• Up to four times a year a European Council (Summit) is held. This is a meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the Member States, also attended by the Commission President. It establishes the general political guidelines for the European Union. After each European Summit the President of the European Council presents Parliament with a report on the outcome of its activities.