Environmental statement 2021. 2020 data

Abstract

The European Council is an institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union (EU). It sets the EU’s policy agenda, usually by adopting conclusions during European Council meetings, which identify issues of concern and actions to take. However, it is not one of the Union’s legislative institutions, so it does not negotiate or adopt EU legislation. The members of the European Council are the heads of state or government of the Member States of the European Union, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also takes part in European Council meetings. The European Council meets at least twice every six months. Its meetings, often referred to as ‘EU summits’, are held in Brussels and are chaired by the President of the European Council, who can convene extraordinary European Council meetings when needed.