The role of the European Council and the Council of the EU explained
What is the Council?
The European Council and the Council of the EU are two very closely linked institutions. They have similar names and share the same buildings and staff - the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC). However, they have very different roles and membership.
In focus
Learn about the work of the Council and the European Council
The Council's decision-making process explained
The Council and the European Council are two separate institutions, supported by the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC). Which is the political and which the legislative institution? What are the tasks of the GSC? What is the Council presidency?
Legislative decisions are made following different rules. How does the Council voting system work? What is simple majority, qualified majority and unanimity?
Euro area countries also meet in a body called Eurogroup. Is your country included? When was the Euro area created?
Find out all the answers and much more information in our animations.
Become a Council trainee: apply until the end of August
Each year the Council offers about 120 traineeships to EU nationals who have completed their undergraduate studies. They run in two different periods from February to June and from September to January.
Trainees can participate in all spheres of the Council's work, from the press office and policy directorates to translators and IT specialists. A trainee is a member of the team where he or she is placed and supports the work of EU officials. There is also a rich programme of seminars and study trips and other activities to learn more about how the EU works.
The application procedure closes on 31 August 2016.