= European Council = The '''European Council''' is a component of the EU executive branch. <> ---- == Composition == The European Council is composed of the heads of state from each member state, the [[WorldHistory/EuropeanUnion/EuropeanCommission|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 [[WorldHistory/EuropeanUnion/CouncilOfTheEuropeanUnion|president of the Council of the European Union]]. ---- == Powers == The European Council nominated the [[WorldHistory/EuropeanUnion/EuropeanCommission|president of the European Commission]] (subject to a vote by the [[WorldHistory/EuropeanUnion/EuropeanParliament|European Parliament]]). ---- CategoryRicottone