In the Brussels-based Council, government ministers from each EU country meet to discuss, amend and adopt laws, and coordinate policies. The ministers have the authority to commit their governments to the actions agreed on in the meetings. Together with the European Parliament, the Council is the main decision-making body of the EU.

The Council of the European Union generally recruits staff through open competitions or selections. These are organised at inter-institutional level by the European Personnel Selection Office. Sometimes the Council of the EU employs non-permanent staff, under the contract or temporary agent scheme. This applies to all institutions.