On 30 August 2014, Donald Tusk was unanimously elected by the EU heads of State and Governments as President of the European Council. He entered into office on 1 December 2014 for an (initial) term of 2,5 years.
What does the President of the European Council do?
- chairs it and drives forward its work;
- ensures the preparation and continuity of the work of the European Council in cooperation with the President of the Commission, and on the basis of the work of the General Affairs Council;
- endeavours to facilitate cohesion and consensus within the European Council;
- presents a report to the European Parliament after each of the meetings of the European Council.
He also, at his level and in that capacity, ensures the external representation of the Union on issues concerning its common foreign and security policy, without prejudice to the powers of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. He may not hold a national office at the same time as being President.
image: platforma.org
source: european-council.europa.eu
