The Council of the European Union is one of the main decision-making bodies of the European Union (EU). It represents the governments of the EU member states and works alongside the European Parliament to adopt legislation and coordinate policies. Each member state holds the presidency of the Council for six months, allowing them to set the agenda and facilitate discussions. The Council is composed of ministers from each member state, depending on the policy area being discussed, such as foreign affairs or finance. It plays a crucial role in shaping EU laws and policies, ensuring that the interests of all member states are considered.