The European Council and The Council

The European Council is the driving force behind the European Union. It meets at least four times a year, bringing together Europe's top political leaders, i.e. the Heads of State or Government of the Member States, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy alstakes part in the European Council's discussions. When required by the agenda, the Heads of State or Government may decide tdraw on the assistance of a minister, depending on the subject matter being dealt with. Meetings of the European Council are usually preceded by a meeting with the President of the European Parliament. The European Council determines the EU's guidelines and political priorities: it identifies major issues tbe dealt with by the Council, i.e. the meetings of ministers, in each of the policy areas under their responsibility. Meetings of the European Council are therefore central tthe life of the EU. That is why these 'summits' are followed by smany journalists. On 1 December 2009, when the Treaty of Lisbon entered intforce, the European Council became a fully fledged institution in its own right. It has a president, elected for a term of twand a half years, renewable once. Herman Van Rompuy, formerly Prime Minister of Belgium, is the first toccupy the post. Previously the European Council was chaired by the president or prime minister of the Member State holding the six-monthly Council presidency. The European Council and The Council Twinstitutions acting for Europe General Secretariat of the Council