In the 27 member-states of the European Union, there are currently no less than 14 heads of state and government affiliated to the European People`s Party. These leaders participate in the European Council. The first Council President under Lisbon is Herman VAN ROMPUY (CD&V).

As a prelude to European Council Summits, EPP heads of state and government, party leaders in coalition governments, the EPP Presidency, and EPP Presidents of the Commission and Parliament, meet to prepare the impending EU Council. These important sessions offer an informal, personal, and confidential atmosphere, in which differences can be aired and build consensus, in an effort to develop common positions.

Moreover, Ministers affiliated to the EPP from policy fields such as Foreign Affairs, Defence, Economy and Finance, Justice and Home Affairs, Employment, Agriculture, Environment, Industry, Transport, and Energy, meet ahead of the Council of Ministers' meetings to discuss and coordinate their work.