The Council consists of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of each Member State and a member of the European Commission. Chairmanship of the Council rotates on an annual basis. The role of the Council itself is “to serve as a forum for guidance and overall co-ordination among the participating states” (stated in the Terms of Reference). The annual session is held in the country currently in the chair. The Foreign Minister of the presiding…

The Committee of Senior Officials consists of high-ranking representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Member States as well as of the European Commission. Inter-sessional discussions and preparations take place in the Committee, which serves as a discussion forum for both practical and other matters related to the work of the Council. The Committee of Senior Officials can designate specific tasks to the three Working Groups. Chairmanship of the CSO follows the…