The European Council is the supreme authority and central decision-making body of the European Union (EU). Bringing together the Heads of State and Government and the President of the European Commission, it embodies the highest political authority of the Member States and of the European Community.
The European Council provides the European Union with the necessary impetus for its development and defines the general political guidelines thereof (Article 4 EU Treaty). Its power to determine the general direction of policy extends to the entire spectrum of EU activities. However, its pronouncements have no direct legal effect and must be implemented by other institutions.
As regards matters falling under the EC Treaty (first pillar), the European Council also has a specific role in coordinating Member States' economic and employment policies.
As far as the Common Foreign and Security Policy (second pillar) is concerned, the European Council not only lays down principles and general guidelines, but also has powers to decide on common strategies and to take decisions relating to the further development of EU security policy. The Council of the EU is required to base its action in this area on the general guidelines laid down by the European Council, i.e. the meeting of Heads of State and Government.
The European Council comprises the Heads of State and Government of the individual Member States and the President of the European Commission, who are assisted by the Foreign Ministers of the Member States and a member of the Commission. The European Council generally meets four times a year, and is chaired by the Head of State or Government of the Member State holding the Council Presidency at the time. Additional meetings may be scheduled in special circumstances.
