In this series from the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA), Hugh Evans explores the ways democracy weaves its way in and out of the EU system.
This episode looks at the ways in which national politicians, in addition to their role in the legislative process via the Council, can help steer the overall direction of the European Union. To this, we need to focus on an EU institution that is not actually part of the legislative process. This is the place where the Heads of State or Government meet to discuss pressing issues, react to crises, and set the European agenda: the European Council.
We will break down the history of the EUCO, why its members meet, and who else can take part. We’ll also dive into the question of decision-making, and examine the latest European Council Conclusions.
EU Democracy Explained is a series where we delve into detail about what democracy actually is and how it works in Europe, and ask ourselves: “what makes the EU democratic?”
Thumbnail image credits:
- Portrait Herman Van Rompuy – © European Union, 2014: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/photo-details/P-026475~2F00-85
- Portrait Donald Tusk – © European Union, 2015: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/photo-details/P-028648~2F00-66
- Portrait Charles Michel – © European Union, 2018: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/photo-details/P-041801~2F00-01
- Portrait António Costa – © European Union, 2020: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/photo-details/P-045897~2F00-04
Source: EC – Audiovisual Service
