The British–Irish Council (BIC; Irish: Comhairle na Breataine–na hÉireann) is an intergovernmental organisation that aims to improve collaboration between its members in a number of areas including transport, the environment and energy.

The council's stated aim is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands".

[3] The British–Irish Council was established on 10 April 1998 following two years worth of negotiations between the UK and Irish Governments alongside the political parties in Northern Ireland on the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

Representatives of members operate in accordance with whatever procedures for democratic authority and accountability are in force in their respective elected legislatures.

Although Cornwall technically holds observer status on the Council due to its language, it is also represented by the UK government.

At its June 2010 summit, the Council decided to move forward on recommendations to enhance the relationship between it and the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA).

The Belfast Agreement suggested transport links, agriculture, environmental issues, culture, health, education and approaches to the European Union as suitable topics for early discussion.

Past work sector areas included knowledge economy, e-health / telemedicine and tourism.