Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between the European Council, the Council (of the European Union) and the Council of Europe?

• The European Council defines the general political directions and priorities of the European Union and provides the necessary impetus for its development. It consists of the heads of state or government of the member states, together with its President, currently Herman Van Rompuy, and the President of the Commission. It meets at least four times a year, in Brussels, Belgium.
  
  
• The Council, often referred to as the Council of the European Union, exercises - together with the European Parliament - legislative and budgetary powers. It also carries out policy-making and coordinating functions. The Council is composed of representatives of each member state at ministerial level, authorised to commit their government. The members of the Council are democratically accountable to their national parliaments.
  
  
• The Council of Europe is not part of the European Union but an international organisation in its own right, based in Strasbourg. Its main role is to strengthen democracy, human rights and the rule of law throughout its member states. The 28 member states of the European Union are all members of the Council of Europe, whereas the Council of Europe, with its 47 member states, has a much wider membership.