- European Council
The European Council consists of the heads of state and government of the member states and the President of the Commission. The new High Representative of the European Union also takes part in its work. They decide on the political directions and priorities of the European Union. The Council meets twice a year, unless special meetings are called for. Decisions in the Council are usually taken by consensus. The Council elects its president for a renewable term of 2 and a half years since the Lisbon Treaty has come into force. The longer presidency is meant to increase continuity in the work of the Council. Since the Lisbon Treaty, the body gained full institutional status within the EU.
