TITLE VI - THE FUNCTIONING OF THE UNION
CHAPTER I - PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE INSTITUTIONS
SECTION 1 - THE INSTITUTIONS
Subsection 3 - The Council of Ministers
ARTICLE III-342
The Council shall meet when convened by its President on his or her own initiative, or at the request of one of its members or of the Commission.
ARTICLE III-343
1. Where a vote is taken, any member of the Council may act on behalf of not more than one other member.
2. Where it is required to act by a simple majority, the Council shall act by
a majority of its component members.
3. Abstentions by members present in person or represented shall not prevent
the adoption by the Council of acts which require unanimity.
ARTICLE III-344
1. A committee consisting of the Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member States shall be responsible for preparing the work of the Council and for carrying out the tasks assigned to it by the latter. The Committee may adopt procedural decisions in cases provided for in the Council's Rules of Procedure.
2. The Council shall be assisted by a General Secretariat, under the responsibility of a Secretary-General appointed by the Council .
The Council shall decide on the organisation of the General Secretariat by a simple majority.
3. The Council shall act by a simple majority regarding procedural matters and
for the adoption of its Rules of Procedure.
ARTICLE III-345
The Council, by a simple majority, may request the Commission to undertake any studies the Council considers desirable for the attainment of the common objectives, and to submit any appropriate proposals to it. If the Commission does not submit a proposal, it shall inform the Council of the reasons.
ARTICLE III-346
The Council shall adopt European decisions laying down the rules governing the committees provided for in the Constitution. It shall act by a simple majority after consulting the Commission.