European Council

The European Council is a key institution of the European Union, comprising the heads of state or government of the EU member states, along with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. It defines the EU's overall political direction and priorities. Recent news highlights the Council's involvement in several critical issues. These include navigating the fallout from the Iran war and US policy shifts regarding Russia sanctions, leading to disagreements among member states. Hungary has been a notable point of contention, blocking EU sanctions against Russia and a crucial loan to Ukraine. Despite these internal divisions, the EU has also been actively pursuing trade agreements, notably with India, aiming to strengthen economic ties amid rising US protectionism. The Council is also grappling with internal policy debates, such as proposed regulations on airline cabin baggage, reflecting the breadth of its responsibilities and the challenges of achieving consensus among its diverse members.