In this interview, Norbert Schwaiger, former Head of the Press Office of the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union, analyses the reasons behind the media’s interest in the European Councils. He also explains the reasons behind the choice of Brussels as its meeting place.

In this interview, Norbert Schwaiger, former Head of the Press Office of the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union, comments on the European Council’s role in providing impetus and laying down general political guidelines. He also emphasises its possible role as an appeal body which has the final say on matters of political importance.

In this interview, Norbert Schwaiger, former Head of the Press Office of the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union, recalls the role played by Niels Ersbøll, Secretary-General of the Council from 1980 to 1994, in the structuring of the preparatory work of the European Council and in the rationalising of the drafting of its conclusions.