European Council 9582 223918728 2008-07-06T14:36:27Z Ozculer 2682384 + tr : Avrupa Zirvesi {{Politics of the European Union}} {{otheruses4|the council of heads of states|the meetings between ministers of specific departments|Council of the European Union}} {{for|the international organisation of 47 European countries|Council of Europe}} The '''European Council''' (referred to as a '''European Summit''') is the highest political body of the [[European Union]].<ref name="nbiz">{{cite web|last=van Grinsven|first=Peter|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=The European Council under Construction|work=|publisher=Netherlands Institution for international Relations|date=September 2003|url=http://www.nbiz.nl/publications/2003/20030900_cli_paper_dip_issue88.pdf|format=PDF|doi=|accessdate=2007-08-16}}</ref> It comprises the [[head of state|heads of state]] [[head of government|or government]] of the Union's [[European Union member state|member states]] along with the [[President of the European Commission]]. Its meeting is chaired by the member from the member state currently holding [[Presidency of the Council of the European Union]].<ref name="How work">{{cite web|last=|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=How does the EU work|work=|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)]]|date=|url=http://europa.eu/abc/12lessons/lesson_4/index_en.htm|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref> While the Council has no formal [[Executive (government)|executive]] or [[legislative]] powers, it is an institution that deals with major issues and any decisions made are "a major impetus in defining the general political guidelines of the European Union". The Council meets at least twice a year; usually in the [[Justus Lipsius building]], the quarters of the [[Council of the European Union]] (Consilium) of [[Brussels]].<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=European Council|work=|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)|Council of the European Union]]|date=|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/showPage.asp?id=429&lang=en&mode=g|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref><ref name="Maastricht">{{cite web|last=|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=Consolidated versions of the treaty on European Union and of the treaty establishing the European Community|work=|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)]]|date=[[1992-02-07]]|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/ce321/ce32120061229en00010331.pdf|format=PDF|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref><ref name="Europa Council">{{cite web|last=|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=European Council|work=|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)]]|date=|url=http://europa.eu/european_council/index_en.htm|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref> ==History== The first Councils were held in February and July 1961 (in [[Paris]] and [[Bonn]] respectively). They were informal summits of the leaders of the [[European Community]] and were started due to then-[[French President]] [[Charles de Gaulle]]'s resentment at the domination of supranational institutions (e.g. the [[European Commission]]) over the integration process. The first influential summit was held in 1969 after a series of irregular summits. The Hague summit of 1969 reached an agreement on the admittance of the United Kingdom into the Community and initiated foreign policy cooperation (the [[European Political Cooperation]]) taking integration beyond economics.<ref name="Dragoman">{{cite web|last=Stark|first=Christine|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=Evolution of the European Council: The implications of a permanent seat|work=|publisher=Dragoman.org|date=|url=http://www.dragoman.org/ec/belfast-2002.pdf|format=PDF|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref><ref name="nbiz"/> The summits were only formalised in 1974, at the December summit in Paris, following a proposal from then-French President [[Valéry Giscard d'Estaing]]. It was felt that more intergovernmental input was needed following the "empty chair crisis" and economic problems. The inaugural ''Council'', as it had become, was held in [[Dublin]] on [[1975-03-10]]/[[1975-03-11]] during [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]'s first Presidency of the [[Council of the European Union]]. In 1987 it was included in the treaties for the first time (the [[Single European Act]]) and had a defined role for the first time in the [[Maastricht Treaty]]. At first only two meetings per year were required, now there are on average four European Councils each year (two per presidency). The seat of the Council was formalised in 2002, basing it in Brussels (see [[#Seat|Seat]]). In addition to usual councils, there are the occasional extraordinary councils, for example in 2001 the European Council gathered to lead the EUs response to those events.<ref name="Dragoman"/><ref name="nbiz"/> The meetings of the Council are seen by some as turning points in the [[history of the European Union]]. For example:<ref name="nbiz"/> * 1969, ''The Hague'': Foreign policy and enlargement. * 1974, ''Paris'': Creation of the Council. * 1985, ''[[Milan]]'': Initiate [[Intergovernmental Conference|IGC]] leading to the [[Single European Act]]. * 1991, ''[[Maastricht]]'': Agreement on the [[Maastricht Treaty]]. * 1997, ''[[Amsterdam]]'': Agreement on the [[Amsterdam Treaty]]. * 1998, ''Brussels'': Selected member states to adopt the [[euro]]. * 1999; ''[[Cologne]]'': [[List of European Councils#Cologne 1999|Declaration on military forces]].<ref name="Cologne ESDP">{{cite web|last=|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=EU Security Policy & the role of the European Commissio|work=|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)|European Commission]]|date=|url=http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/cfsp/esdp/chrono.htm|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-08-22}}</ref> * 1999, ''[[Tampere]]'': Institutional reform * 2000, ''[[Lisbon]]'': [[Lisbon Strategy]] * 2002, ''[[Copenhagen]]'': Agreement for May 2004 [[Enlargement of the European Union|enlargement]]. * 2007, ''[[Lisbon]]'': Agreement on the [[Lisbon Treaty]]. ==Powers and functions== The European Council isn't an official [[Institutions of the European Union|institution]] of the EU, although it is mentioned in the treaties as a body which "shall provide the Union with the necessary impetus for its development". Essentially it defines the EU's policy agenda and has thus been considered to be the motor of [[European integration]]. It does this without any formal powers, only the influence it has being composed of national leaders.<ref name="nbiz"/><ref name="Maastricht"/> Beyond the need to provide "impetus", the Council has developed further roles; to "settle issues outstanding from discussions at a lower level", to lead in foreign policy - acting externally as a "collective [[Head of State]]", "formal [[ratification]] of important documents" and "involvement in the negotiation of the [[Treaties of the European Union|treaty changes]]".<ref name="Dragoman"/><ref name="Europa Council"/> Because it's composed of national leaders, the body brings together the executive power of the member states, having a great deal of influence outside the [[European Community]]: for example over [[Common Foreign and Security Policy|foreign policy]] and [[Police and Judicial Co-operation in Criminal Matters|police & justice]]. It also exercises the more executive powers of the Council of the European Union (the European Council could be described as a configuration of that body) such as the appointment of the [[President of the European Commission]]. Hence with powers over the supranational executive of the EU, in addition to its other powers, the European Council has been described by some as the Union's "supreme political authority".<ref name="Dragoman"/><ref name="How work"/><ref name="Europa Council"/> However, the body has been criticised by some for a lack of leadership, in part stemming from the weak structure of the body, meeting only 4 times a year for 2 days with no staff and no legislative decisions made.<ref>{{cite web|last=Laming|first=Richard|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=Too much champagne, not enough leadership|work=|publisher=Open Democracy|date=[[2003-07-10]]|url=http://www.opendemocracy.net/democracy-europefuture/article_1346.jsp|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref> ==Composition== [[Image:Party affiliations in the European Council (8 May 2008).png|thumb|275px|right|The states of the European Union by the European party affiliations of their leaders, as of [[8 May]] [[2008]]]] Officially the members of the Council consist of the heads of state or government of the Union, plus the Commission President (non-voting). When meetings take place, the national foreign minister usually attends with the leaders. The Commission President likewise is also accompanied by another member of the Commission. These are the members seen in the "family photo" taken at each Council.<ref name="Maastricht"/><ref name="Europa Council"/><ref name="nbiz"/> Meetings can also include national ministers, including foreign ministers, other leading national positions ([[French Prime Minister]]), [[European Commissioner|Commissioners]] as required. The Secretary General of the Council (and his/her deputy) is also a regular attendee. The position has become highly important due to its regular role in organising the meetings while also acting as the Union's [[High Representative of the Common Foreign and Security Policy|High Representative]]. The [[President of the European Parliament]] usually attends to give an opening speech outlining the [[European Parliament]]'s position before talks begin.<ref name="Maastricht"/><ref name="Europa Council"/><ref name="nbiz"/> However the negotiations usually involve a large number of other people working behind the scenes. Most of those people however are not allowed into the conference room, except for two delegates per state to relay messages. At the push of a button members can also call for advice from a Permanent Representative via the "Antici Group" in an adjacent room. The group is composed of diplomats and assistants who convey information and requests. Translators are also required for meetings as members are permitted to speak in their [[Languages of the European Union|own languages]].<ref name="nbiz"/> ===President-in-Office=== <!-- Commented out: [[Image:Jansa2.jpg|thumb|right|175px|The current President-in-Office is [[Janez Janša]] of Slovenia]] --> {{main|President of the European Council}} {{seealso|Presidency of the Council of the European Union}} The role of [[President-in-Office]] of the assembled European Council is performed by the head of government or head of state of the member state currently holding the Council Presidency. This [[Presidency of the Council of the European Union|presidency rotates every six months]], with every three presidencies co-operating on a common programme in triplets, meaning there is also a new president of the European Council every six months. The agenda of the meetings are defined by the Presidency, hence it may be misused by the country holding the Presidency by pushing their national interests up the agenda. The presiding country may also have additional negotiators at the table.<ref name="How work"/><ref name="Europa Council"/><ref name="nbiz"/> The role as President-in-Office is in no sense equivalent to an office of a [[head of state]], merely a ''primus inter pares'' (first among equals) role with other European heads of government. The President-in-Office is primarily responsible for preparing and chairing Council meetings, and has no executive powers. It does however offer external representation of the council and the Union and reports to the [[European Parliament]] after Council meetings and at the beginning and end of the Presidency.<ref name="How work"/><ref name="Europa Council"/> ===Council Members=== {| class ="wikitable sortable" style="background:white;" width=100% |- !align=left|Representing !align=left|Member !align=left|Title !align=left|Political party !align=left|Member since !class="unsortable" width=50px|Photo |----- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |{{flagicon|Austria}} [[Austria]] |{{sortname|Alfred|Gusenbauer}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Chancellor of Austria|Chancellor]] |[[Party of European Socialists|PES]]<br /><small>''National: [[Social Democratic Party of Austria|SPÖ]]''</small> |{{dts2|11|01|2007}} |[[Image:Gusenbauer.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |{{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]] |{{sortname|Yves|Leterme}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime minister of Belgium|Prime Minister]] |[[European People's Party|EPP]]<br /><small>''National: [[Christian Democratic and Flemish|CD&V]]''</small> |{{dts2|20|03|2008}} |[[Image:Yves Leterme campagne foto.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |{{flagicon|Bulgaria}} [[Bulgaria]] |{{sortname|Sergey|Stanishev}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[List of Prime Ministers of Bulgaria|Prime Minister]] |PES<br /><small>''National: [[Bulgarian Socialist Party|BSP]]''</small> |{{dts2|1|01|2007}} |[[Image:Sergei stanishev.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#EECCCC |{{flagicon|Cyprus}} [[Republic of Cyprus|Cyprus]] |{{sortname|Dimitris|Christofias}} |{{sortkey|0|visible=no}}[[President of Cyprus|President]] |[[Party of the European Left|PEL]]<br /><small>''National: [[Progressive Party of Working People|AKEL]]''<ref>Party holds only observer status with the [[Party of the European Left]]</ref></small> |{{dts2|28|02|2008}} | |----- bgcolor=#CCCCFF |{{flagicon|Czech Republic}} [[Czech Republic]] |[[Mirek Topolanek]] |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of the Czech Republic|Prime Minister]] |[[Movement for European Reform|MER]]<br /><small>''National: [[Civic Democratic Party|ODS]]''</small> |{{dts2|16|08|2006}} |[[Image:Mirek Topolanek.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#FFFFDD |{{flagicon|Denmark}} [[Denmark]] |{{sortname|Anders Fogh|Rasmussen}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Denmark|Prime Minister]] |[[European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party|ELDR]]<br /><small>''National: [[Venstre (Denmark)|Venstre]]''</small> |{{dts2|17|11|2001}} |[[Image:Rasmussen25042007.jpg|50x65px]] |- ---- bgcolor=#FFFFDD |{{flagicon|Estonia}} [[Estonia]] |{{sortname|Andrus|Ansip}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Estonia|Prime Minister]] |ELDR<br /><small>''National: [[Estonian Reform Party|Reformierakond]]''</small> |{{dts2|12|04|2005}} |[[Image:Ansip, Andrus (2007) crop.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#FFFFDD |{{flagicon|Finland}} [[Finland]] |{{sortname|Matti|Vanhanen}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Finland|Prime Minister]] |ELDR<br /><small>''National: [[Centre Party (Finland)|Keskusta]]''</small> |{{dts2|24|06|2003}} |[[Image:Vanhanen Matti.JPG|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |{{flagicon|France}} '''[[France]]''' <br />{{flagicon|European Union}} '''[[President of the European Council|Council]]'''<ref>France currently holds the [[Presidency of the Council of the European Union]]; Nicolas Sarkozy, as President of that member state, is the [[President of the European Council|President-in-Office]].</ref> |'''{{sortname|Nicolas|Sarkozy}}''' |'''{{sortkey|0|visible=no}}[[President of France|President]]''' |'''EPP<br /><small>''National: [[Union for a Popular Movement|UMP]]''</small>''' |'''{{dts2|16|05|2007}}''' |[[Image:Nicolas Sarkozy MEDEF.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] |{{sortname|Angela|Merkel}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Chancellor of Germany|Chancellor]] |EPP<br /><small>''National: [[Christian Democratic Union (Germany)|CDU]]''</small> |{{dts2|22|11|2005}} |[[Image:Angela Merkel 24092007.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |{{flagicon|Greece}} [[Greece]] |{{sortname|Kostas|Karamanlis}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Greece|Prime Minister]] |EPP<br /><small>''National: [[New Democracy (Greece)|ND]]''</small> |{{dts2|10|03|2004}} |[[Image:Kostas Karamanlis.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |{{flagicon|Hungary}} [[Hungary]] |{{sortname|Ferenc|Gyurcsány}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Hungary|Prime Minister]] |PES<br /><small>''National: [[Hungarian Socialist Party|MSZP]]''</small> |{{dts2|25|08|2004}} |[[Image:Gyurcsány Ferenc.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#DDFFDD |{{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] |{{sortname|Brian|Cowen}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Taoiseach]] |[[Alliance for Europe of the Nations|AEN]]<br /><small>''National: [[Fianna Fáil|FF]]''</small> |{{dts2|7|05|2008}} |[[Image:Brian Cowen.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] |{{sortname|Silvio|Berlusconi}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Italy|Prime Minister]] |[[European People's Party|EPP]]<br /><small>''National: [[The People of Freedom|PdL]]''</small><ref>Silvio Berlusconi's [[The People of Freedom|People of Freedom]] has yet to be formally founded; it is expected to become a member party of the EPP.</ref> |{{dts2|8|05|2008}} |[[Image:Silvio Berlusconi shakes hands with Bush.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#FFFFDD |{{flagicon|Latvia}} [[Latvia]] |{{sortname|Ivars|Godmanis}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Latvia|Prime Minister]] |ELDR<br /><small>''National: [[Latvian Way|LC]]''</small> |{{dts2|20|12|2007}} | |----- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |{{flagicon|Lithuania}} [[Lithuania]] |{{sortname|Gediminas|Kirkilas}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[List of rulers of Lithuania|Prime Minister]] |PES<br /><small>''National: [[Social Democratic Party of Lithuania|LSDP]]''</small> |{{dts2|4|07|2006}} |[[Image:Gediminas Kirkilas.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |{{flagicon|Luxembourg}} [[Luxembourg]] |{{sortname|Jean-Claude|Juncker}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Luxembourg|Prime Minister]] |EPP<br /><small>''National: [[Christian Social People's Party|CSV]]''</small> |{{dts2|20|01|1995}} |[[Image:Jean-Claude Juncker (2006).jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |{{flagicon|Malta}} [[Malta]] |{{sortname|Lawrence|Gonzi}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Malta|Prime Minister]] |EPP<br /><small>''National: [[Nationalist Party (Malta)|PN]]''</small> |{{dts2|1|05|2004}} |[[Image:Lawrence Gonzi at Zabbar Meeting 17 Feb 2008.JPG|50x65px]] |<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Gonzi.jpg|50x65px]] --> |----- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |{{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Netherlands]] |{{sortname|Jan Peter|Balkenende}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of the Netherlands|Prime Minister]] |EPP<br /><small>''National: [[Christian Democratic Appeal|CDA]]''</small> |{{dts2|22|07|2002}} |[[Image:Balkenende Dutch politician kabinet Balkenende IV.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |{{flagicon|Poland}} [[Poland]] |[[Donald Tusk]] |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime minister of Poland|Prime minister]] |EPP<br /><small>''National: [[Civic Platform|PO]]''</small> |{{dts2|16|11|2007}} |[[Image:Donald Tusk.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |{{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Portugal]] |{{sortname|José|Sócrates}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Portugal|Prime Minister]] |PES<br /><small>''National: [[Socialist Party (Portugal)|PS]]''</small> |{{dts2|12|03|2005}} |[[Image:Josesocrates09082006.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#FFFFDD |{{flagicon|Romania}} [[Romania]] |{{sortname|Călin|Popescu-Tăriceanu}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Romania|Prime Minister]] |ELDR<br /><small>''National: [[National Liberal Party (Romania)|PNL]]''</small> |{{dts2|1|01|2007}} |[[Image:Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu at a government meeting.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |{{flagicon|Slovakia}} [[Slovakia]] |{{sortname|Robert|Fico}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Slovakia|Prime Minister]] |PES<br /><small>''National: [[Direction – Social Democracy|Smer]]''</small> |{{dts2|4|07|2006}} |[[Image:Robertfico.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |{{flagicon|Slovenia}} [[Slovenia]] |{{sortname|Janez|Janša}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Slovenia|Prime Minister]] |EPP<br /><small>''National: [[Slovenian Democratic Party|SDS]]''</small> |{{dts2|9|11|2004}} |[[Image:Jansa-rumsfeld2.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] |{{sortname|José Luis|Rodríguez Zapatero}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Spain|Prime Minister]] |PES<br /><small>''National: [[Spanish Socialist Workers' Party|PSOE]]''</small> |{{dts2|17|04|2004}} |[[Image:José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (para tabla).png|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |{{flagicon|Sweden}} [[Sweden]] |{{sortname|Fredrik|Reinfeldt}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of Sweden|Prime Minister]] |EPP<br /><small>''National: [[Moderate Party|Moderaterna]]''</small> |{{dts2|6|10|2006}} |[[Image:Fredrik Reinfeldt during Stockholm Pride 2007.jpg|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[United Kingdom]] |{{sortname|Gordon|Brown}} |{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] |PES<br /><small>''National: [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]]''</small> |{{dts2|27|06|2007}} |[[Image:GordonBrown2004.JPG|50x65px]] |----- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |{{flagicon|European Union}} ''[[European Commission|Commission]]''<ref>José Manuel Barroso does not represent a member state, but sits in the European Council as the President of the Commission and does not vote.</ref> |''{{sortname|José Manuel|Barroso}}'' |''{{sortkey|1|visible=no}}[[President of the European Commission|President]]'' |''EPP<br /><small>National: [[Social Democratic Party (Portugal)|PSD]]''</small> |''{{dts2|23|11|2004}}'' |[[Image:José Manuel Barroso MEDEF 2.jpg|50x65px]] |} <small>[http://www.eu2007.de/en/News/download_docs/Maerz/0324-RAA/030WhoIsWho.pdf Source for positions]</small> ==Seat and meetings== [[Image:Justus Lipsius Building enterance.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Justus Lipsius building, the headquarters of the European Council in Brussels.]] {{see|List of European Councils|Location of European Union institutions}} Meetings of the council usually take place four times a year (two per Presidency) in Brussels and last for two days, although this can sometimes be longer if contentious issues are on the agenda.<ref name="nbiz"/> Up until 2002, the venue of the council meeting rotated between member states, as its location was decided by the country holding the rotating presidency. However, the 22nd declaration attached to the [[Treaty of Nice]] stated that; "As from 2002, one European Council meeting per Presidency will be held in Brussels. When the Union comprises 18 members, all European Council meetings will be held in Brussels."<ref name="Nice">{{cite web|last=|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=Treaty of Nice|work=|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)]]|date=[[2001-02-21]]|url=http://europa.eu/eur-lex/en/treaties/dat/nice_treaty_en.pdf|format=PDF|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref> So between 2002 and 2004 half the councils were held in Brussels, and from the 2004 enlargement, all were. The European Council uses the same building as the Council of the European Union (the [[Justus Lipsius building]]). However some extraordinary councils still take place outside of the city in the member holding the Presidency; ([[Rome]], 2003 or [[Hampton Court Palace]] in 2005). The European Council is due to move with the Council of the European Union to a new building, [[Résidence Palace]], next to the existing building.<ref name="Dragoman"/><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=Reconstruction of "Residence Palacel|work=|publisher=UIA Architectes|date=[[2005-09-26]]|url=http://www.uia-architectes.org/texte/england/Residence/2-results.html|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref> The choice of a single seat was due to a number of factors, such as the experience of the Belgian police in dealing with protesters (a protester in [[Gothenburg]] was shot by police) as well as Brussels having fixed facilities for the Council and journalists at every meeting. By having a permanent seat (that's the same as the Council), particularly since enlargement, it was expected the Council would integrate further into the Community framework, rather than continuing under heavy national influence, developing as a governmental body (some have argued it is already the ''de facto'' EU government).<ref name="Dragoman"/> In 2007 the new situation became a source of contention with the European Council wanting to sign the [[Lisbon Treaty]] in [[Lisbon]]. However the Belgian government, keen not to set a precedent, insisted that the actual meeting take place in Brussels as usual. This would mean that after the signing, photo suit and formal dinner the entire summit would transfer from Lisbon to Brussels to continue with normal business. The idea of such an eventuality, mirrored with the "travelling circus" of the European Parliament, garnered protests from environmental groups describing the hypocrisy of demanding lower carbon emissions while flying across Europe for the same summit for political reasons.<ref>{{cite web|last= ley Berry|first=Peter Sain|authorlink=Peter Sain ley Berry|coauthors=|title=Comment: Travelling circuses are not worth the carbon|work=|publisher=EU Observer|date=[[2007-11-01]]|url=http://euobserver.com/9/25073|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-11-01}}</ref> ==Future of the European Council== [[Image:Blair June 2007.jpg|150px|thumb|Former [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] [[Tony Blair]] is the current front runner for the first permanent [[President of the European Council]].]] There would be a number of changes to the European Council under the proposed [[Treaty of Lisbon]], which largely retains the reforms outlined in the rejected [[Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe|Constitutional Treaty]].<ref>{{cite web|last=European Council|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=Brussels European Council 21/22 June 2007: Presidency Conclusions|work=|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)]]|date=[[2007-06-22]]|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/en/ec/94932.pdf|format=PDF|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref> The treaty would make the European Council a formal institution, separate from the Council of the European Union (now the Council of Ministers). While the Council of Ministers would continue with the rotating presidency, the European Council would have a single, fixed, [[President of the European Council]] with a renewable two-and-a-half year mandate. The position would stay a non-executive, administrative role. It would have an important role in organising work and meetings, providing external representation (including working with the CFSP) and being able to call extraordinary meetings beyond the four that are now formally required to take place.<ref name="Constitution info">{{cite web|last=|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=The Union's institutions: The European Council|work=|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)]]|date=[[2001-02-21]]|url=http://europa.eu/scadplus/constitution/europeancouncil_en.htm|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref> The role of the council is clearly separate from the Council, and primarily follows previous definitions. In separating from the Council of Ministers, the European Council gains no legislative power. It does however gain a greater say over police and justice planning, foreign policy and constitutional matters, including: the composition of the Parliament and Commission; matters relating to the rotating presidency; the suspension of membership rights; changing the voting systems in the treaties bridging clauses; and nominating the President of the European Commission and the [[High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy|High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy]]. The High Representative, along with the new post of President, are the only formal changes in composition. Further more, under the "emergency break" procedure, a state may refer contenious legislation from the Council of Ministers to the European Council if it is outvoted in the Council, although it may still be outvoted in the European Council.<ref name="Constitution info"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Peers|first=Steve|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=EU Reform Treaty Analysis no. 2.2: Foreign policy provisions of the revised text of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) |work=|publisher=[[Statewatch]]|date=[[2007-08-02]]|url=http://www.statewatch.org/news/2007/aug/eu-reform%20treaty-csfp1-2-2.pdf|format=PDF|doi=|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Peers|first=Steve|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=EU Reform Treaty analysis 1: JHA provisions|work=|publisher=[[Statewatch]]|date=[[2007-08-02]]|url=http://www.statewatch.org/news/2007/aug/eu-reform-treaty-jha-analysis-1.pdf|format=PDF|doi=|accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> Although there may be some informal changes; currently the [[President of Finland]] informally takes part in the European Council as s/he is responsible for the Finland's foreign policy outside the EU. This is alongside the [[Prime Minister of Finland|Prime Minister]] who deals with policy within the EU. Under the new treaty the Council becomes a formal EU institution and deals with foreign policy (making it EU policy). Hence, some see the President's attendance would no longer be justified.<ref name="HS FIN PRES">{{cite web|last=|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=Experts calling for new decisions on role of President in EU policy|work=|publisher=[[Helsingin Sanomat]]|date=[[2007-08-22]]|url=http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Experts+calling+for+new+decisions+on+role+of+President+in+EU+policy/1135229708906|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> There has been speculation on who would be the first (full time) President of the European Council, being dubbed as the President of the European Union. Currently the most common name is former [[British Prime Minister]], [[Tony Blair]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Ben|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=New post of EU chief tempts Blair|work=|publisher=[[Financial Times]]|date=[[2007-05-03]]|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/4b7e16a2-f9a6-11db-9b6b-000b5df10621.html|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Parker|first=George|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=Blair’s fate may be linked to EU|work=|publisher=[[Financial Times]]|date=[[2007-05-10]]|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/b809ae42-ff16-11db-aff2-000b5df10621,dwp_uuid=5f5b5ef8-b209-11db-a79f-0000779e2340.html|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref> This was backed up further when, in June 2007, French president [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] was the first leader to propose that Blair be the first president.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parker|first=George|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=Push for Blair as new EU president|work=|publisher=[[Financial Times]]|date=[[2007-06-16]]|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/d4fe43ac-1ba7-11dc-bc55-000b5df10621.html|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref> However in August of 2007, there has been specuation that [[Bertie Ahern]], the former [[Republic of Ireland|Irish]] [[Taoiseach]], could also be a contender.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mahony|first=Honor|authorlink=|coauthors=|title=Ireland speculates on Ahern becoming EU president|work=|publisher=EU Observer|date=[[2007-08-27]]|url=http://euobserver.com/9/24634|format=|doi=|accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref> Lastly [[Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha]] was proposed to this function by the Bulgarian governance <ref>[http://www.psz.pl/content/view/9830 psz.pl - UE/ Bułgar unijnym prezydentem?<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== * [http://europa.eu/european_council/index_en.htm Official website] * [http://aei.pitt.edu/summit_guide.html Archive of European Integration - Summit Guide] * [http://www.ena.lu?lang=2&doc=5633 European Council] {{European Council}} {{European Union topics|state=collapsed}} [[Category:European Council|*]] [[Category:Non-institutional bodies of the European Union]] [[Category:Politics of the European Union]] [[bs:Evropsko vijeće]] [[bg:Европейски съвет]] [[ca:Consell Europeu]] [[cs:Evropská rada]] [[cy:Cyngor Ewropeaidd]] [[de:Europäischer Rat]] [[et:Euroopa Ülemkogu]] [[el:Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο]] [[es:Consejo Europeo]] [[eo:Eŭropa Konsilio]] [[fr:Conseil européen]] [[hr:Europsko vijeće]] [[ia:Consilio Europee]] [[ie:Consilie europan]] [[it:Consiglio europeo]] [[ka:ევროპული საბჭო]] [[lb:Europäesche Conseil]] [[lt:Europos Vadovų Taryba]] [[hu:Európai Tanács]] [[mk:Европски Совет]] [[nl:Europese Raad]] [[ja:欧州理事会]] [[no:Det europeiske råd]] [[oc:Conselh de l'Union Europèa]] [[pl:Rada Europejska]] [[ro:Consiliul European]] [[sk:Európska rada]] [[sl:Evropski svet]] [[sr:Европски савет]] [[sh:Evropsko vijeće]] [[fi:Eurooppa-neuvosto]] [[sv:Europeiska rådet]] [[tr:Avrupa Zirvesi]] [[uk:Європейська Рада]] [[diq:Konsilê Ewropa]] [[zh:欧洲理事会]]