The European Council is an important institution of the European Union (EU) that brings together the heads of state or government of the member countries. It sets the EU's overall political direction and priorities, helping to shape policies and decisions that affect all member states. The council meets at least four times a year and is led by a president, who is elected for a renewable two-and-a-half-year term. In addition to the leaders, the European Council also includes the President of the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. While it does not have legislative power, its decisions influence the EU's legislative agenda and international relations.