The European Council celebrates its 50th anniversary, highlighting its evolution and pivotal role in shaping the European Union. From its origins back in the 1961 Paris summit and its official establishment in December of 1974, the European Council has grown and evolved into the strategic EU institution it is today.
Some of the European Council’s key moments are the following:
1975: The First Meeting of the European Council took place in March 1975, in Dublin.
1985: The Single European Act was established giving for the first time a legal basis for the European Council
1993-2009: During this pivotal period, the Maastricht Treaty (1993), Amsterdam Treaty (1999) and Nice Treaty (2003), formally established the European Union, gave it power to set rules in relation to the foreign and security policy, and designating Brussels as the main venue for European Council meetings. Finally, the Lisbon Treaty (2009) officially recognised the European Council as an EU institution, distinct from the Council of the EU.
During this 50-year period, the European Council has undoubtedly faced many challenges, but continues to move forward, mitigating risks, resolving problems and adapting to new situations. The focus point for the resolution of all issues is the wellbeing and strength of Europe’s Member States, and current President António Costa explained it as follows:
“As President of the European Council, I will make it my everyday mission to build this unity and cherish our natural diversity — by listening to each Member State, respecting each one's concerns, and fostering convergence where there is divergence.”
Find out how more on how the European Council was created and how it has developed into the strategic EU institution it is today!
