October 16, 2025
If you are new to European institutions, you might feel confused by Europe’s various “Councils”. The European Council, the Council of the European Union and the Council of Europe – three entities whose names sound nearly identical, but with fundamentally different purposes. One gathers EU leaders to define general political direction and priorities, the second, also an EU institution, is a legislative body, the third does not operates inside of the EU framework but across the European continent.
Here is a clear and concise explanation of their differences and the work they do :
The European Council
Located in Brussels, it was originally an informal meeting between the heads of state or government of a few European countries created as a forum to discuss our general political paths. Since 2009, it has officially become one of the seven institutions of the European Union, gathering all 27 EU countries’ leaders, the President of the Council and the President of the European Commission on a regular basis. The presidency of the council is not a real executive role but is mainly meant to represent the Union outside Europe.
There, our national Presidents, Prime Ministers or Chancellors agree on the Union’s priorities and try to define a political agenda for the future during what are called “EU summits”. They take place at least four times a year and end with the adoption of conclusions. You can find those conclusions online to check which priorities, goals, challenges and actions have been agreed upon by the Council.
Once the European Council has set the Union’s overall directions, it falls to the Council of the European Union to translate those priorities into concrete legislation and policies.
The Council of the European Union
Also called “The Council” or, sometimes the “Council of Ministers”, it is one of the two legislative bodies (with the European Parliament) of the EU found in the Treaty on European Union. This meeting gathers different national ministers from the 27 EU member states, with the composition changing depending on the policy area under discussion : foreign affairs ministers meet for external relations, ministers of the environment for sustainability matters, ministers of education for youth and academic topics… The council presidency goes to a different country every six months.
They negotiate and adopt EU laws and policies, approve the budget alongside Parliament and work on foreign and security policy. In essence, it serves as a bridge between our national governments and the Union, ensuring that European legislation is inclusive of domestic priorities and interests of EU countries.
While both these entities are part of the EU’s institutional framework, the next Council stands entirely apart, as a European institution in the broader sense and outside of the Union’s scope.
The Council of Europe
Despite a similar name, the Council of Europe predates the EU (or the former European communities) and was created as an international organisation in 1949. It is in fact Europe’s oldest intergovernmental organisation, created to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Its most significant achievement is the European Convention on Human Rights, a landmark treaty that protects fundamental freedoms such as the right to life, freedom of expression and the prohibition of torture. Compliance with this convention is overseen by the European Court of Human Rights, based in Strasbourg, whose judgments are binding on member states. Beyond the court, the Council of Europe works through expert bodies, monitoring mechanisms and educational programmes to strengthen democratic institutions, protect minorities, and combat corruption or discrimination. While it does not make or enforce EU law, its influence on European values and legal standards remains profound — shaping much of the continent’s human rights framework and inspiring reforms well beyond the borders of the Union.
Europe’s institutional landscape can seem labyrinthine, but each “Council” plays a specific part in shaping it. The European Council provides leadership, the Council of the EU delivers legislation, and the Council of Europe safeguards values that reach far beyond the Union itself. Together, they reflect Europe’s enduring balance between political ambition, legal coordination, and shared ideals.
Author : Sacha Lefèvre