President of the European Council

The President of the European Council is a position in the European Union that chairs the European Council. At present it is an unofficial low key position (also referred to as the President-in-Office) which rotates between member states every six months.

Under the proposed Treaty of Lisbon, this system would be replaced by a permanent two and a half year post. If the new treaty is agreed as planned, the first permanent President would be appointed in 2009. The new position has been touted as the "President of the European Union".

The exact nature of the new post is uncertain, no formal powers are granted and its relationship with other major posts is unclear. Its influence and role will largely be decided by the nature of the first person to occupy the post.