European Council : Next President
The Prime Minister of India congratulated H.E António Costa on being elected as next President of the European Council.
- European Council institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union.
- It was created as an informal forum in 1974 for discussion between heads of state or government of the EU member states.
- Under this treaty the European Council acquired a formal status and role to provide the impetus and general political guidelines for the EU.
- The members of the European Council are the heads of state or government of the 27 EU member states, the European Council President and the President of the European Commission.
- It usually meets 4 times a year– but the President can convene additional meetings to address urgent issues.
- It generally decides issues by consensus but by unanimity or qualified majority in some cases. Only the heads of state/government can vote.
