The European Council is one of the seven official institutions of the European Union (EU). It defines the general priorities and political direction of the EU, but does not exercise legislative functions and should not be confused with the Council of the European Union, which is a legislative body. The European Council is made up of the heads of state or government of each of the 27 EU member states, plus the President and the President of the Commission. It meets twice every six months, usually in the Justus Lipsius building in Brussels, Belgium. When the situation requires, the President can convene a special meeting. The President is elected by a qualified majority and serves for two and a half years. Usually, the European Council adopts decisions by consensus, but, in some cases, unanimity or a qualified majority are required.
The European Council has few formal powers, but, because it is comprised of national leaders, it wields a powerful influence defining the EU's policy agenda, determining foreign policy, etc., and is considered the "motor of European integration". Current members include President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, among others.