The European Council is one of the institutions of the European Union (EU) and is composed of the heads of state or government of the EU member states, as well as the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.
The European Council is responsible for setting the EU's overall political direction and priorities. It meets at least twice a year and its meetings are chaired by the President of the European Council. The European Council does not make laws, but it can provide impetus for legislative action in certain areas.
The European Council's responsibilities include:
Setting the EU's political agenda: The European Council sets the EU's political agenda and priorities in response to key global and domestic issues, such as climate change, migration, and economic growth.
Coordinating EU policies: The European Council coordinates the policies of the EU member states and ensures that they work together effectively.
Representing the EU on the global stage: The European Council represents the EU in its relations with other countries and international organisations.
Addressing crises: The European Council is responsible for dealing with crises affecting the EU, such as the economic crisis and the refugee crisis.
In short, the European Council plays a key role in shaping the EU's political direction and ensuring that the member states work together effectively to address common challenges.
You can learn more about this topic and relevant case law with our EU Law notes.
