Decision Maker

Consiglio Europeo

The Consiglio Europeo, or the European Council, is a significant institution within the European Union that comprises the heads of state or government from all EU member countries, the European Commission's President, and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. It sets the EU's general political direction and priorities and handles complex or sensitive issues that cannot be addressed at lower levels of intergovernmental cooperation. However, it does not have legislative power. The European Council convenes at least four times a year for meetings known as "EU summits."