• The Council of the European Union is one of the two legislative institutions of the European Union. • Council should be distinguished from the European Council and the Council of Europe. • Council has its seat in Brussels but in April, June and October, it holds its meetings in Luxembourg.
• The Council, together with the Parliament, form the highest legislative body within the Union, but only within the competencies of the European Community. It is composed of twenty-seven national ministers (one per state). • Which ministers attend which meeting depends on what subjects are on the agenda.