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Source-This post on European Council has been created based on the article “Prime Minister congratulates H.E António Costa on being elected as President of the European Council” published in “PIB” on 28 June 2024.
Why in the news?
The Prime Minister of India recently congratulated H.E António Costa on being elected as the next President of the European Council.
About the European Council
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. The European Council is the European Union’s institution responsible for defining the general political direction and priorities of the EU. 2. The European Council is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. |
| Background | 1. It was created in 1974 as an informal forum for discussion among heads of state or government of the EU member states. 2. It acquired formal status and role under the Treaty of Maastricht to provide impetus and general political guidelines for the EU. |
| Members | 1. It comprises the heads of state or government of the 27 EU member states. 2. It includes the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. |
| Meetings | 1.Typically convenes four times a year. 2. The President can call additional meetings to address urgent issues. |
| Decision-Making | 1. They generally decide issues by consensus. 2. In certain cases, decisions are made by unanimity or qualified majority. 3. Only heads of state or government have the right to vote. |
| Functions | 1. It determines the EU’s overall direction and political priorities but does not pass laws. 2. It addresses complex or sensitive issues that cannot be resolved at lower levels of intergovernmental cooperation. 3. It nominates and appoints candidates to high-profile EU-level roles, such as those in the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Commission. 4. It sets the EU’s common foreign and security policy, considering EU strategic interests and defense implications. |
UPSC Syllabus: International Organisation
