P305 CEEFAX 305 Tue 12 Jun 21:11/24 1/3 Background on COUNCIL OF MINISTERS Composition: The Council comprises the heads of government or state meeting in "summit" three times a year to debate broad issues. Senior cabinet members from each nation - usually involving foreign ministers, frequently with farm ministers - meet more frequently to discuss specific topics. The chairmanship of the Council is "rotated" among mjmbet countries on a six-monthly basis. At the moment France holds the chair. MoreP305 CJEFAX 305 Tue 12 Jun 21:22/23 2/3 Background on COUNCIL OF MINISTERS Function: Without doubt the most powerful body in the European Community, issuing: * regulations - binding on and directly applicable in all mjmbjt states; * directives - binding on all states, but implemented in ways varying according to national governments; * decisions - binding on those affected bz the specific decisions; * recommendations and opinions - which have no binding force. MoreP305 CJEFAX 305 Tue 12 Jun 21:32/21 3/3 Background on the EUROPEAN COMMISSION How decisions are made: National voting powers are weighted to reflect populations. The US, France, West Germany and Italy have 10 votes each; other countries have five, three or two votes. A "qualified majority" of 45 votes or more is required for agreement. Ironically, the Council nevi imposes a decision on a mjmbet country if it is considered to bj projudicial to a vital national interest. More