# European Council

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/glossary/european-council/
- Published: 2024-02-24T19:04:24+01:00
- Author: Ben

The ‘European Council’ should not be confused with the ‘Council of the European 
Union’ as these are two distinct entities within the institutional framework of 
the European Union, each with its own specific role and function.

![European Council and Council of the European Union Justus Lipsius Building in 
Brussels, Rue de la Loi 175](https://euemployment.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/
European-Council-Justus-Lipsius-Building-in-Brussels.jpg "European Council and Council
of the European Union Justus Lipsius Building in Brussels, Rue de la Loi 175")

European Council and Council of the European Union Justus Lipsius Building in Brussels,
Rue de la Loi 175

**The ‘European Council’ (EUCO) is an institution of the European Union, that is
composed of the heads of government (prime ministers) of EU member states**, the
President of the European Council, and the President of the [European Commission](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/european-commission/).
The European Council defines the general political directions and priorities of 
the European Union. The European Council does not adopt laws except for possible
amendments to EU treaties. The European Council is a separate institution from the
[Council of the European Union](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/council-of-the-european-union/),
the latter being composed of ministers of the EU Member States.

The ‘European Council’ should not be confused with the ‘Council of Europe’ (CoE),
which is an international organization seated in Strasbourg, France, and not affiliated
with institutions of the European Union.

Wikipedia article about the [‘European Council’](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Council).