European Council

The European Council is the decision-making body of the European Union, based in Brussels. It is made up of the heads of state and government of the 15 EU members and it decides on suggestions made by the European Commission – the union’s policy initiating wing. The council functions under the guidance of a six-month rotating presidency. National interests play a prominent role in this most powerful body of the Union. Are the concerns of a Greek, the same as those of a Swede? Important decisions have to be reached by unanimous decision. As the EU expands, reaching a common position will be increasingly difficult.