<P> According to the old dictum, "The Commission proposes, and the Council disposes". The Council of Ministers is the only EU Institution that is not "European". Rather, it is a forum where ministers from Member States may validly express and represent their own national interests . </P> <P> The Council meets in 10 different configurations of 28 national ministers (one per state). The precise membership of these configurations varies according to the topic under consideration; for example, when discussing agricultural policy the Council is formed by the 28 national ministers whose portfolio includes this policy area (with the related European Commissioners contributing but not voting). </P> <P> The Presidency of the Council rotates every six months among the governments of EU member states, with the relevant ministers of the respective country holding the Presidency at any given time ensuring the smooth running of the meetings and setting the daily agenda . The continuity between presidencies is provided by an arrangement under which three successive presidencies, known as Presidency trios, share common political programmes . The Foreign Affairs Council (national foreign ministers) is however chaired by the Union's High Representative . </P> <P> Its decisions are made by qualified majority voting in most areas, unanimity in others, or just simple majority for procedural issues . Usually where it operates unanimously, it only needs to consult the Parliament . However, in most areas the ordinary legislative procedure applies meaning both Council and Parliament share legislative and budgetary powers equally, meaning both have to agree for a proposal to pass . In a few limited areas the Council may initiate new EU law itself . </P>

Who presides over the meeting of union council of ministers
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