EU Institutions
European
Council
The EU's supreme political body — where heads of state set the strategic direction of the Union. It does not legislate, but nothing major happens without it.
Key Facts
Members
Heads of state or government of all 27 EU member states
President
António Costa (since December 2024)
Also attends
European Commission President (no vote); HR/VP (foreign affairs items)
Seat
Brussels (Europa building)
Meetings
At least 4 per year (March, June, October, December) + Extraordinary summits
Main voting rule
Consensus (or unanimity)
QMV exceptions
Electing its President; recommending Commission President
Legislative power?
None — it defines political direction but does not legislate
Powers & Functions
Strategic agenda
Defines the EU's overall political priorities and long-term direction across all policy areas.
Crisis management
The go-to body for resolving political deadlocks and responding to major crises (financial, migration, security).
Nominating top posts
Nominates the Commission President (subject to EP confirmation), elects the European Council President, and appoints the ECB President and HR/VP.
Treaty revision
Formally convenes Intergovernmental Conferences (IGCs) to amend EU treaties.
Foreign policy
Defines EU strategic interests and positions in international affairs.
Passerelle clauses
Can authorise shifts from unanimity to QMV in specific areas without a full treaty change.
Presidents Since Lisbon
The Treaty of Lisbon (2009) created the permanent President role, replacing the 6-month rotating chairmanship.
Herman Van Rompuy
Belgium
2009 – 2014
Donald Tusk
Poland
2014 – 2019
Charles Michel
Belgium
2019 – 2024
António Costa
Portugal
2024 – present
The Classic Confusion
European Council
Members
Heads of state / government
Role
Sets strategic direction
Voting
Consensus / unanimity
Legislates?
✗ No
Council of the EU
Members
Ministers of member states
Role
Co-legislates with Parliament
Voting
QMV (mostly)
Legislates?
✓ Yes
Council of Europe
Members
46 countries (non-EU body)
Role
Human rights, democracy
Voting
Varies
Legislates?
✗ Not EU law
Structure
Organisational Chart
Click any node to explore the European Council's composition and powers.
European Council — Composition & Powers
Click a node to exploreSelect a node to see details
AD5 Exam Tip
What the Exam Tests
- →The European Council does NOT legislate — this is the most common trick question.
- →Lisbon Treaty (2009) created the permanent President (elected for 2.5-year renewable terms by QMV).
- →Know who nominates whom: European Council nominates Commission President → EP confirms.
- →Distinguish consensus (normal) from unanimity (required in treaty areas) from QMV (used for President election).
- →Extraordinary summits can be called at any time — not just the four scheduled per year.