The European Council

Definition

The European Council is a key institution of the European Union (EU) that consists of the heads of state or government of the member countries, along with its president and the president of the European Commission. It plays a crucial role in setting the EU's overall political direction and priorities, addressing major issues that affect the union as a whole, such as economic policies, foreign affairs, and security matters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The European Council was established in 1975 and became an official EU institution with the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009.
2. It meets at least four times a year and can convene additional summits during times of crisis to address urgent issues.
3. The European Council does not have legislative power but influences policy by providing guidance on important issues.
4. Its president is elected for a renewable term of two and a half years and facilitates meetings while representing the EU on the international stage.
5. The decisions made by the European Council often require consensus among member states, emphasizing cooperation and negotiation.

Review Questions

• How does the European Council influence the political direction of the European Union?
  • The European Council influences the political direction of the EU by bringing together heads of state or government to discuss and set priorities on major issues like economic policies, foreign affairs, and security. By addressing these significant matters collectively, it shapes the agenda for other EU institutions, such as the European Commission and the European Parliament. This cooperation ensures that member states are aligned on crucial policies that affect all nations within the union.
• Discuss the relationship between the European Council and other EU institutions like the European Commission and European Parliament.
  • The European Council works closely with both the European Commission and the European Parliament to form a cohesive governance structure within the EU. While the Council sets overall political priorities, the Commission proposes legislation to implement these goals. The Parliament then represents citizens' interests by debating and voting on proposed laws. This interconnected relationship ensures that decisions reflect both political leadership from national leaders and representation from EU citizens.
• Evaluate how the establishment of the European Council as an official institution has impacted decision-making within the EU since 2009.
  • Since becoming an official institution with the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009, the European Council has significantly enhanced its role in decision-making within the EU. It has provided a more structured approach to high-level political discussions among member states, ensuring that crucial issues receive focused attention. This formal recognition has allowed for better coordination among member countries during crises, fostering greater unity and collaboration in addressing challenges such as economic instability or security threats, ultimately reinforcing the EU's collective effectiveness.

Related terms

European Commission:

The executive branch of the EU responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the day-to-day affairs of the union.

European Parliament: The directly elected legislative body of the EU, which represents the citizens of member states and works with the Council to pass laws.

Council of the European Union: An institution where government ministers from each EU country meet to discuss, amend, and adopt laws, playing a vital role in the legislative process.