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The Council of the European Union is the main decision-making body of the European Union. It is composed of ministers representing the national governments of the 25 member states. Different ministers attend Council meetings depending on the policy areas for discussion. Most decisions are made by qualified majority vote, but some decisions (for instance on foreign policy in the framework of the CFSP and taxation) still require unanimity.
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union rotates among the member states every six months. Each Presidency hosts two European Councils which bring together the heads of state or government of the EU25. Holding the office of Presidency involves three primary tasks: presiding over all meetings of the Council and its constituent working groups, representing the Council in its dealings with the other institutions and bodies of the EU, such as the Commission and Parliament, and acting on behalf of the EU in relations with countries outside the Union and representing the EU in international fora such as at the United Nations and World Trade Organisation. Ireland held a very successful presidency of the EU during the first six-months of 2004.
The Council is presided over for a period of six months by each Member State in turn, in accordance with a pre-established rota (unless a new Council decision is taken):
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.jpg "Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn's website")
