What does the Council of the European Union primarily do?

The Council of the European Union primarily focuses on facilitating cooperation among EU member states, particularly in areas such as foreign and defense policy. This body allows ministers from each member country to come together to discuss and coordinate policies that address common challenges, such as security threats, international diplomacy, and the EU's global stance.

The Council plays a critical role in shaping the EU's foreign policy direction and making decisions regarding collective action on defense matters. Its decisions help to ensure that member states act in unison in international affairs, thereby projecting a unified EU presence on the global stage. This cooperation is essential as issues in foreign and defense policy often require a collaborative approach that balances national interests with collective European objectives.

While the other options mention important functions within the EU framework, they refer to roles played by different entities. For example, representing the interests of EU citizens is more closely aligned with the European Parliament. Drafting the EU budget is a task primarily handled by the European Commission in conjunction with the Council and Parliament, while the enforcement of EU laws is typically the responsibility of the European Commission and the Court of Justice of the European Union.