Also known as the Council of Ministers or the Council. It is the European Union's main decision-making body, and the executive organ of the EU which represents the member states. The Ministers meet within the Council, with one representing each member state. The Council has responsibility for a wide range of policy sectors and has no fixed membership. Depending on the issue on the agenda, each member state will be represented by the Minister responsible for that subject (such as foreign affairs, finance, social affairs, transport, agriculture).

The Presidency of the Council is held for six months by each member state on a rotational basis.

Note that this body is separate from both the European Council and the Council of Europe.

For further information, see Practice note, Council of the European Union.