The Eu Council of Ministers Explained

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS LEGISLATES ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS The councils are the main legislative bodies of the European Union. It is, kind of, the 27 Member States' house. It is where ministers from each country meet. The Council of Ministers meets in various formations. In each case, the ministers responsible for specific fields take part. When a compromise is made, on the basis of a proposal from the Commission, we will negotiate with the European Parliament. Our role, my role as President of the Council, is more of a facilitator, a mediator. Our aim is to reach a consensus. It is a challenge. You are chairing a meeting in another language and some of the issues that we are debating are of a very complex nature. The most difficult part is what is required before you sit at the table, so good preparation is essential. You have personal contact with each member of the Council. Knowing the background of each one's position is important. So you get to know the "whys" and the "whats". I think it is very important that you hear what other people say. That you really listen. Not just give them the floor and say thank you, but you really listen. Understanding the others' position is a key element in reaching decisions on a European level. There has been a lot of fuss and worry and debate about Europe in general, but Europe is also working. We can take decisions. We can throw light on the way some financial products are traded. We can make sure that we handle a foreign policy situation. We can deal with farming and agriculture, environment and climate, energy efficiency. We take decisions. This will be better for the citizens in the future. Because it is important that the Union works regardless of the crisis, regardless of the debates about Europe's global standing.