European Council
The European Council is a component of the EU executive branch.
Contents
Composition
The European Council is composed of the heads of state from each member state, the president of the European Commission, and a president. The latter two are non-voting members.
The president is elected by double majority among the Council. The president serves a term lasting two and a half years, with the possibility of reappointment once.
History
Until the Treaty of Lisbon (2007), the presidency of the European Council was an unofficial position held by the head of state corresponding to the current president of the Council of the European Union.
Powers
The European Council nominated the president of the European Commission (subject to a vote by the European Parliament).