What role does the European Council play in the EU and what is the relationship between the Council and the European Commission?

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The European Council (referred to as a European Summit) is the highest political body of the European Union.[1] It comprises the heads of state or government of the Union's member states along with the President of the European Commission. Its meeting is chaired by the member from the member state currently holding Presidency of the Council of the European Union.[2] While the Council has no formal executive or legislative powers, it is an institution that deals with major issues and any decisions made are "a major impetus in defining the general political guidelines of the European Union". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_council Nov 03 08, 4:31 PM

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The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive branch of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union.[1] The Commission operates in the method of cabinet government, with 27 Commissioners. There is one Commissioner per member state. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Comission Nov 03 08, 4:33 PM