The European Council

The European Council is a summit meeting of the heads of state or government, including the President of the EU Commission. Each member state's representative is assisted by its Foreign Minister.

The Council gives political impetus to the Union, defines the general political guidelines of the EU, and arbitrates difficult questions such as disputes which have arisen between member states and the institutions, or to resolve political crises and disagreements over controversial issues and policies.

Not to be confused with the Council for the European Union even though it shares its half-yearly President and usually meets in the same building!

The Council usually meets four times a year at European Summits.

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