It now has a permanentpresidentoftheEuropeanCouncil (representing national governments) and it is creating its own diplomatic service, which will need high-security premises.
The presidency oftheCouncilof Ministers rotates on a six monthly basis, although future meetings oftheEuropeanCouncil will be chaired by the new permanentpresidentoftheEuropeanCouncil, Herman van Rompuy.
The creation of a permanent"President" oftheEuropeanCouncil (which brings together the heads of state and government of all 27 member states) was intended to provide leadership and strategic direction.