<P> The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union pass legislation jointly in nearly all areas under the ordinary legislative procedure . This also applies to the EU budget . The European Commission is accountable to Parliament, requiring its approval to take office, having to report back to it and subject to motions of censure from it . The President of the European Parliament (currently Antonio Tajani) carries out the role of speaker in Parliament and represents it externally . The President and Vice-Presidents are elected by MEPs every two and a half years . </P> <P> The European Council gives political direction to the EU . It convenes at least four times a year and comprises the President of the European Council (currently Donald Tusk), the President of the European Commission and one representative per member state (either its head of state or head of government). The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (currently Federica Mogherini) also takes part in its meetings . It has been described by some as the Union's "supreme political authority". It is actively involved in the negotiation of treaty changes and defines the EU's policy agenda and strategies . </P> <P> The European Council uses its leadership role to sort out disputes between member states and the institutions, and to resolve political crises and disagreements over controversial issues and policies . It acts externally as a "collective head of state" and ratifies important documents (for example, international agreements and treaties). </P> <P> Tasks for the President of the European Council are ensuring the external representation of the EU, driving consensus and resolving divergences among member states, both during meetings of the European Council and over the periods between them . </P>

Which european countries are not members of the eu