The European Commission, often simply referred to as the Commission, is one of the principal institutions of the European Union. As the executive branch and administrative body of the EU, it plays a central role in the EU's governance, policymaking, and implementation.
Composition: The Commission is composed of one Commissioner from each EU member state, totalling 27 Commissioners. Each Commissioner is appointed for a five-year term and is responsible for a specific policy area. The President of the European Commission is elected by the European Parliament, and the other Commissioners are proposed by member states and approved by the European Parliament.
Functions and responsibilities: The Commission has various functions and responsibilities, including:
- Legislative initiative: The Commission has the exclusive right to propose new legislation to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. It drafts legislative proposals, which are then reviewed and potentially amended by the other EU institutions.
- Policy implementation: The Commission is responsible for implementing EU policies and ensuring that EU laws are applied consistently across member states. It monitors member states' compliance with EU legislation and can initiate legal action against those not fulfilling their obligations.
- Policy coordination: The Commission coordinates the development and implementation of EU policies in collaboration with other EU institutions, member states, and stakeholders. It promotes cooperation, consensus-building, and the integration of different policy areas to achieve EU objectives.
- External representation: The Commission represents the EU in international negotiations, such as trade agreements, and participates in international organisations on behalf of the EU. It plays a key role in shaping the EU's external relations and promoting its values and interests globally.
- Budget management: The Commission manages the EU's budget, ensuring that funds are allocated and spent in line with EU priorities and policies. It proposes the annual budget and monitors its implementation.
DGs and services: The Commission is organised into Directorates-General (DGs), which are responsible for specific policy areas. Each DG focuses on particular policy domains, such as agriculture, competition, environment, or research. The Commission also has specialised services, such as the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), which support its work in specific areas.
Role in EU decision-making: The Commission plays a central role in the EU's decision-making process. It proposes legislation, which is then considered by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. The Commission also plays an advisory and coordinating role in shaping policies and initiatives, providing expertise and recommendations to the other institutions.
Independent and impartial: The Commission is expected to act independently and impartially, serving the interests of the EU as a whole rather than representing the specific interests of member states. Its members are bound by a code of conduct that ensures they act in the EU's best interests and avoid conflicts of interest.
The European Commission, as the EU's executive body, works to advance the EU's objectives, implement its policies, and ensure the functioning and coherence of the Union. It plays a vital role in shaping the EU's agenda and promoting the common interests of its member states and citizens.
You can learn more about this topic with our EU Law notes.
