Ch 2.3 - European Council
European Council
The European Council gives the EU its political impetus and direction but does not exercise legislative functions. It began as an informal body in 1974, gained formal status at the Treaty of Maastricht (1992), and full institutional status under Lisbon. It is made up of the heads of state or government of the 27 member states plus the Commission President, meets four times a year, and is led by a president elected by qualified majority for two-and-a-half years, renewable once.
The European Council provides the Union with the necessary impetus for its development and defines its general political directions and priorities. Crucially, it shall not exercise legislative functions - do not confuse it with the law-making Council of the EU.
- Began as an informal body in 1974
- Gained formal status at the Treaty of Maastricht in 1992
- Comprises the heads of state or government of the 27 member states + the Commission President
- Meets four times a year to set EU priorities and political direction
- Decisions are generally made by consensus, but treaties may require unanimity or qualified majority
- Led by a president elected by qualified majority for two-and-a-half years, renewable once
Key terms - quick answers
What is “European Council”?
The EU institution of heads of state/government that sets the Union's overall political direction and priorities; it does not legislate.
What is “Qualified majority”?
A weighted voting threshold assessed by number of member states and the share of EU population they represent.