Section2

The Council

Article 145

To ensure that the objectives set out in this Treaty are attained the Council shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Treaty:

• ensure coordination of the general economic policies of the Member States;
• have power to take decisions;
• confer on the Commission, in the acts which the Council adopts, powers for the implementation of the rules which the Council lays down. The Council may impose certain requirements in respect of the exercise of these powers. The Council may also reserve the right, in specific cases, to exercise directly implementing powers itself The procedures referred to above must be consonant with principles and rules to be laid down in advance by the Council, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission and after obtaining the Opinion of the European Parliament.

Article 146 ( * )

( * ) As amended by Article G( 43 ) 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 subparagraph 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 (point 3.1 below, p.865).

Article 147

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 148

1. Save as otherwise provided in this Treaty, the Council shall act by a majority of its members.

2. Where the Council is required to act by a qualified majority, the votes of its members shall be weighted as follows:

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