ABSTRACT
This article examines the historical trajectory and current challenges of a European institution that has remained under-researched: the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of the European Union. For most of the history of the integration process such a lack of attention might have been justified because of the limited role that the Council Secretariat appeared to play in EU politics. Recently, however, research on a number of issues – the management of EU foreign policy and the conduct of EU treaty reform – has demonstrated the contribution that this body makes to EU decision-making. We therefore believe that there is a strong case for developing a better understanding of the Council Secretariat.
