Ahead of the entry into force of the treaty of Lisbon, European heads of state and government will  have a working dinner in Brussels on 19 November to appoint the new EU's key posts.

Heads of state and goverment of the 27 EU member States will meet in 19 november in Brussels in a special summit to appoint the leaders of the Leaders will name a first-ever permanent President of the European Council, a High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as well as the Secretary-General of the Council.

The candidates are due to take up their posts when the Lisbon Treaty  enters into force on 1 December. The informal meeting of EU heads of state and government has been convened by Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, whose country holds the Union's rotating presidency. The meeting will be preceded by wide consultations with all EU government leaders conducted by Prime Minister Reinfeldt himself.

After the ratification of the treaty by the Czech Republic, it is expected that it comes into force on 1 December. The Treaty of Lisbon establishes a new order for Europe.