(a) Explain the role of the Council of Ministers in EU decision-making - Leaving Cert Business - Question 10 - 2009

The Council of Ministers plays a critical role in the European Union's decision-making process. It is the main decision-making body of the EU and is responsible for adopting legislation before it becomes law. This council is composed of ministers from each EU member state's government, and the specific minister attending depends on the topic discussed, such as foreign affairs, finance, or health.

Most legislative proposals from the European Commission are forwarded to the Council of Ministers, which deliberates on them. Decisions are typically made by majority voting, which facilitates timely and efficient decision-making. However, for more sensitive issues, such as taxation or major policy changes, unanimous agreement is necessary, reflecting the need for collective endorsement among member states. This balance between majority and unanimous voting ensures that the Council of Ministers can effectively represent diverse national interests while fostering EU cohesion.