CHAPTER 3  

THE COUNCIL  

Article 26  

The Council shall exercise its powers in the cases provided for and in the manner set out in  this Treaty, in particular in order to harmonize the action of the Commission and that of the  governments, which are responsible for the general economic policies of their countries.

To this end, the Council and the Commission shall exchange information and consult each  other.

The Council may request the Commission to examine any proposals or measures which the  Council may consider appropriate or necessary for the attainment of the common objectives.

Article 27 ( * )  

( * ) As inserted by Article H(9) TEU.

The Council shall consist of a representative of each Member State at ministerial level,  authorized to commit the government of that Member State.

The office of President shall be held in turn by each Member State in the Council for a term  of six months, in the order decided by the Council acting unanimously.( ** )

( ** ) Second paragraph as amended by Article 12 AA A/FIN/SWE. See also Council Decision  of 1 January 1995 determining the order in which the office of President of the Council shall  be held (see Volume I, p.865).

Article 27a ( * )

( * ) As inserted by Article H( 9 ) TEU.

The Council shall meet when convened by its President on his own initiative or at the request  of one of its members or of the Commission.

Article 28 ( ** )

( ** ) As amended by Article 13 AA A/FIN/SWE in the version resulting from Article 6 AD  AA A/FIN/SWE.

When the Council is consulted by the Commission it shall consider the matter without  necessarily taking a vote. The minutes of its proceedings shall be forwarded to the  Commission.

Wherever this Treaty requires that the assent of the Council be given, the assent shall be  considered to have been given if the proposal submitted by the Commission receives the  approval:

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