6 Questions
Who is the current European Council president?
Charles Michel
How is the European Council president appointed?
Appointed by national leaders (heads of state or government of EU countries)
What is one of the key responsibilities of the European Council?
Setting the EU's common foreign and security policy
Who are the members of the European Council?
Heads of State, or of Government, of each Member State and the President of the EU Commission
How often does the European Council usually meet?
Four times a year
How does the European Council usually decide issues?
By consensus
Study Notes
European Council Overview
- Current President: Charles Michel (term: December 2019 - May 2022)
- Appointed by: national leaders (heads of state or government of EU countries)
Role and Responsibilities
- Decides on the EU's overall direction and political priorities
- Deals with complex or sensitive issues that cannot be resolved at lower levels of intergovernmental cooperation
- Sets the EU's common foreign and security policy, considering EU strategic interests and defence implications
- Nominates and appoints candidates to certain high-profile EU level roles (e.g. ECB and Commission)
Decision-Making Process
- Can ask the European Commission to propose legislation to address an issue
- Can pass issues to the Council of the EU to adopt
Composition and Leadership
- Composed of Heads of State or Government of each Member State and the President of the EU Commission
- President of the European Council is elected by the European Council itself for a once-renewable two-and-a-half-year term
- President represents the EU to the outside world
Meeting and Decision-Making Procedures
- Usually meets 4 times a year, but can be convened additionally to address urgent issues
- Decides issues by consensus, but by unanimity or qualified majority in some cases
- Only heads of state/government can vote
This quiz covers the basics of the European Council, including its role, responsibilities, and leadership structure.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
