COUNCIL of the European UnionSelect prefered language. The Council is made up of the relevant government ministers from member states. For any EU law to be passed, or deal on the EU budget to be agreed to, the Council of the European Union (along with the European Parliament) must vote in favour of it.
In matters relating to foreign, defence and home affairs policy, where member states have not delegated powers to the other EU institutions, the Council plays the predominant role setting political guidelines. For example, it has the power to sign international agreements with non-EU countries on behalf of the EU.