Features include interactive map, in-depth stories, and
more.Download now. » The week's top five must-sees, delivered to
your inbox. The European Council is an institution of the
European Union. It comprises the heads of state or government of
the EU member states, along with the President of the European
Commission and the President of the European Council, currently
Herman Van Rompuy. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs,
currently Catherine Ashton, takes part in its meetings. While
the European Council has no formal legislative power, it is
charged under the Treaty of Lisbon with defining "the general
political directions and priorities" of the Union. It is thus
the Union's strategic body, acting as the collective presidency
of the EU. The meetings of the European Council, commonly
referred to as EU summits, are chaired by its president and take
place at least twice every six months; usually in the Justus
Lipsius building, the headquarters of the Council of the
European Union in Brussels. The Europe