The European Council is an institution of the European Union that brings together the heads of state or government of EU member states, along with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. It serves as a forum for high-level discussions and decision-making on key political priorities and strategic direction within the EU.
Composition: The European Council consists of the heads of state or government of EU member states, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission. The European Council President is elected by the European Council for a term of two and a half years, renewable once.
Setting EU agenda: The European Council sets the EU's overall political direction and priorities. It identifies and discusses major challenges, establishes long-term goals, and provides impetus for key decisions. The European Council plays a crucial role in shaping the EU's strategic agenda and addressing complex political issues.
Policy coordination: The European Council coordinates and guides the work of the EU institutions, particularly the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. It ensures policy coherence, facilitates consensus-building among member states, and provides general political guidance on EU policies and initiatives.
External representation: The European Council represents the EU at the highest level in international affairs. It defines the EU's common positions on global issues, such as foreign policy, trade, and international cooperation. The European Council President, in collaboration with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, represents the EU in international meetings and negotiations.
Crisis management: The European Council plays a crucial role in managing crises and addressing urgent situations within the EU. It can convene emergency meetings to discuss and coordinate responses to pressing issues, such as economic crises, security threats, or political challenges. The European Council provides a platform for member states to discuss and reach consensus on crisis management measures.
Decision-making process: The European Council operates based on consensus among member states. While it does not have formal legislative powers, its decisions and conclusions have significant political weight. The European Council's decisions can guide and influence the legislative process and policy development within the EU institutions.
Meetings: The European Council meets at least four times a year, but extraordinary meetings can be convened when necessary. These meetings are usually attended by the heads of state or government, the European Council President, and the President of the European Commission. The European Council meetings provide an opportunity for leaders to engage in open discussions, reach agreements, and provide strategic direction for the EU.
The European Council is a pivotal institution in the EU's governance structure. It plays a vital role in shaping the EU's political priorities, providing strategic guidance, and promoting consensus among member states. By bringing together the highest-level political leaders, it ensures the effective functioning and unity of the EU in addressing key challenges and advancing its objectives.
You can learn more about this topic with our EU Law notes.
