The European Council

The European Council is the forum in which the most senior political representatives of the European Union and its Institutions can meet. Ireland is represented by the Taoiseach. 

The President of the European Council is Herman Van Rompuy. He chairs the meetings and ensures that the European Council performs its function of defining the general political direction and priorities of the European Union.

The European Council usually meets between four and six times per year. The conclusions of each meeting are available to the public.