Europäischer Rat#

European Council, since 1974 an institution of the European Community and subsequently the European Union. It brings together, at least twice a year, the Heads of State or Government (who may be assisted by their foreign ministers or one member each of the European Commission) and the President of the European Commission for meetings which lay down the basic political objectives of the European Union and provide essential political impetus (Should not be confused with the Council of the European Union, which consists of the ministers of the fifteen member states).