The European Council is a key institution of the European Union (EU) that defines the general political direction and priorities of the bloc. Its origins trace back to informal summit meetings of the heads of state or government of member states in the 1960s. These meetings were formalized in the mid-1970s to provide high-level political input, with the inaugural meeting held in March 1975. It was formally established as one of the EU's seven official institutions in 2009 with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.
The Council is composed of the heads of state or government of all EU member states, the European Council President, and the President of the European Commission. It meets at least four times a year and generally takes decisions by consensus, though certain appointments require a qualified majority vote. Its primary function is to provide the "necessary impetus for its development" and set the EU's policy agenda, but it does not have the power to pass laws. The Treaty of Lisbon introduced a significant change by creating the position of a full-time, long-term President of the European Council, separating it from the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. The European Council also plays a crucial role in nominating the candidate for the President of the European Commission, who must then be approved by the European Parliament. It is essential not to confuse the European Council with the Council of the European Union (the EU's co-legislator) or the Council of Europe (an independent body founded in 1949 to promote human rights).