In the General Affairs Council (GAC) the ministers coordinates the preparation of and follow-up on meetings in the European Council and covers dossiers of cross-cutting nature, thus affecting more than one EU policies - including negotiations on EU enlargement, preparation of the EU's multiannual financial frameworks and institutional and administrative matters. The council typically meets once a month and the Member States are represented by either their Minister of Foreign or European Affairs.

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The General Affairs Council (GAC) consists of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Member States of the European Union. The Council covers topics that affect more than one policy area; for example negotiations on enlargement, negotiations on the multi-annual financial framework and the preparation of institutional and administrative matters.

This Council prepares - along with the president of the European Council and with the European Commission - the meetings of the European Council. This Council deals with matters it is entrusted to by the European Council. GAC also coordinates work on policies by the other council formations.