Council of the European Union: Facts and Figures

Briefing 19-12-2019

This Council of the European Union: Facts and Figures briefing provides an overview of the role and powers of the Council as one part of the European Union's legislature (and its budgetary authority), in adopting (jointly with the European Parliament) much of the EU's legislation and the EU annual budget. It describes the current arrangements and the history of the Council's rotating presidency and 'trios', as well as the ten thematic configurations in which Member State government ministers decide on the Council's policy positions. The publication provides statistics on the number of Council meetings and on attendance at those meetings (including the gender balance and seniority of those present), on the legislative and non-legislative acts adopted by the Council and on the voting weights used when taking such decisions. Finally, it provides information on the Council's budget and its secretariat.