50 Jahre Europäischer Rat – Reflektionen über eine Schlüsselinstitution der Europäischen Union

The European Council is one of, if not, the key institution of the European Union (EU). Founded about 50 years ago, in December 1974, it comprises the Heads of State or Government of the member states, thus linking the national and European levels. In recent years, the European Council has primarily acted as a crisis manager. Furthermore, it takes important decisions in various policy areas and regularly expands the EU’s competences. At the same time, due to its internal consensus requirement, the European Council is vulnerable to blockades and relies on other EU institutions for the implementation of its decisions.