Reviews of 1st edition: '[Will] deservedly become a standard text, be very widely used, and shape our core understandings of the Council of Ministers.' - Alberta Sbragia, ECSA Review 'The authors combine the meticulous factual and innovative research which is expected of them with their happy knack of catching what they call 'atmospheres'... The authors have provided a framework hitherto lacking and a wealth of fact, insight and judgement, along with cogently argued conclusions and proposals for improvement in performance...' - William Nicoll, Journal of Common Market Studies 'Combines a set of full and systematic information about an institution where composition, nature and powers are unclear and misunderstood, with an in-depth analysis of its role, importance and weaknesses... [S]hould be read by anybody seriously interested in European affairs and seeking to understand the Union's ambitions as well as the nitty-gritty of one of its major actors.' - Yves Meny, Journal of Public Policy