arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

European Council, Brussels 16-17 October 2003

The European Council on 16-17 October 2003, the first meeting at this level during the Italian Presidency of the European Union (EU), will be an opportunity for Heads of State and Government of the Member States, as well as of the Acceding States, to exchange their views on the main developments at Union and international level.

The meeting is expected to take place at the council's headquarters (Justus Lipsius Building, rue de la Loi, 175, Brussels).
European Council is the name given to the regular meetings of Heads of State and Government of EU Member States, and the President of the European Commission (sometimes also called Summit).

Foreign affairs ministers of the Member States also take part in European Councils. The meeting is usually preceded by an exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament. It is convened in principle four times a year, twice during each six-month Presidency.

As from 2002, and in accordance with the Treaty of Nice, at least one European Council per Presidency is held in Brussels. After the Union's enlargement all meetings are expected to be held in Brussels.
For further information please contact
the Council's Press Office:
press.office@consilium.eu.int;
tel. +32-(0)2-285 63 19;
fax. +32-(0)2-285 80 26

http://ue.eu.int/newsroom/eu-council/italy/index.asp?lang=EN

http://europa.eu.int/comm/councils/bx20031016/index_en.htm

http://www.cec.org.uk/info/events/longterm.htm

Lobbying and decision-making in Europe
http://www.hawksmere.co.uk/auto/events/19418.html