In this series from the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA), Hugh Evans explores the ways democracy weaves its way in and out of the EU system. This episode revolves around one of the institutions in the EU triangle that represents one of the two poles of the EU’s dual legitimacy: the Council of the European Union – legitimacy via the 27 governments. We will explore its makeup, its role and internal functioning, and we’ll discover what its crucial role in the legislative process might mean in terms of defining what the EU actually is. In addition, we will learn about the complex academic debate surrounding the question of defining the EU as an entity. In exploring different theories of European integration and functioning, we will discover what aspects of the system conform to the various theories. EU Democracy Explained is a series where we delve into detail about what democracy actually is and how it works in Europe, and ask ourselves: “what makes the EU democratic?” Script, Recording & Editing: Hugh Evans Music: Wondershare Filmora X Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.