European Commission

The European Commission (EC) is the executive branch of the European Union (EU), responsible for implementing policies, proposing legislation, and managing the EU budget. Established in 1958, the Commission is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, and operates with a staff of approximately 32,000 civil servants.
 

The Commission is led by a President, currently Ursula von der Leyen, who is proposed by the European Council and elected by the European Parliament. The President, along with eight Vice-Presidents and 18 other Commissioners, forms a team known as the College of Commissioners. Each Commissioner, representing one of the 27 EU member states, oversees a specific portfolio and acts independently of their home country, focusing on the broader interests of the EU.

The Commission's primary functions include proposing new laws for adoption by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, managing EU policies and allocating funds, and enforcing EU law in collaboration with the Court of Justice of the European Union. It also represents the EU in international negotiations and agreements.

The Commission’s work is structured around Directorates-General (DGs), each responsible for different policy areas. Strategic planning and collective decision-making are central to its operations, with Commissioners making decisions based on consensus or majority vote.

The current Commission’s term will end on 31 October 2024. The process for appointing a new Commission involves selecting a President candidate based on European Parliament election results, who then nominates Commissioners for approval. The Commission is accountable to the European Parliament, which can dismiss it through a motion of censure, ensuring democratic oversight and transparency in its operations.

The European Commission, a cornerstone of the European Union (EU), has a complex history that reflects the evolving nature of European integration. It traces its origins to the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), established by the Treaty of Paris in 1951. The High Authority, the ECSC's executive body, was led by Jean Monnet, marking the beginning of what would become the European Commission.

The initial Commission, formed in 1952, was tasked with overseeing the ECSC's administration. It was later expanded with the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) by the Treaties of Rome in 1957. These treaties introduced the term "Commission" to replace the "High Authority," reflecting a shift towards a more integrated European administration.

Walter Hallstein, the first President of the EEC Commission, played a pivotal role in shaping the early years of the Commission. His tenure saw significant achievements, including the completion of the customs union in 1968 and successful engagement in international trade negotiations. Despite his efforts, Hallstein's leadership was challenged by the "empty chair" crisis in 1965, which was triggered by disputes between the French government and other member states over budgetary issues and institutional reforms.

The Merger Treaty of 1967 was a landmark event, unifying the executive bodies of the ECSC, EEC, and Euratom into a single Commission under President Jean Rey. This merger marked a significant step in streamlining the Commission's operations. The Rey Commission, which initially had 14 members, soon reverted to a nine-member structure, with representation adjusted to reflect the size of member states.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Commission continued to evolve. The Ortoli Commission managed the first enlargement of the EEC in 1973, incorporating new member states and expanding the Commission's membership. The subsequent Jenkins and Thorn Commissions oversaw further integration and enlargement, with the latter beginning work on the Single European Act, which aimed to establish a single internal market.

Jacques Delors, who led the Commission from 1985 to 1995, is often credited with revitalising the European integration process. His leadership was instrumental in advancing the single market and laying the groundwork for the Economic and Monetary Union, which eventually led to the introduction of the euro. Delors' tenure was marked by significant legislative and economic reforms that shaped the future of the EU.

The Santer Commission (1995-1999) faced a major scandal involving allegations of fraud and corruption, leading to its resignation—a first in the Commission's history. This scandal prompted reforms, including the establishment of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) to enhance oversight and accountability.

Romano Prodi succeeded Santer, and under his leadership, the Commission's powers were further consolidated. The Amsterdam Treaty, which came into force during Prodi's term, increased the Commission's role in EU governance. The Treaty of Nice, signed in 2001, also contributed to the strengthening of the Commission's functions and its presidency.

José Manuel Barroso became President in 2004, leading a Commission that faced challenges related to the enlargement of the EU and internal controversies, including allegations of fraud. The Treaty of Lisbon, effective from 2009, further refined the Commission's powers, including a reduction in the number of Commissioners and the combination of the roles of Commissioner for External Relations and High Representative for Foreign Affairs.

Jean-Claude Juncker, President from 2014, continued to navigate the complex landscape of EU governance. His tenure was marked by significant policy initiatives and the influence of his chief of staff, Martin Selmayr.

The current President, Ursula von der Leyen, assumed office in 2019. Her appointment marked a shift from the traditional Spitzenkandidat process, reflecting the evolving nature of EU politics and governance. The European Commission remains a central institution in the EU, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing policies, and ensuring compliance with EU laws, reflecting the dynamic and ongoing process of European integration.

The European Commission's primary goal is to promote the general interests of the European Union (EU) by drafting legislation, enforcing laws, and implementing policies. It is tasked with proposing new laws, managing the EU budget, and ensuring compliance with EU treaties and regulations. As an independent body, it operates separately from member state governments, aiming to foster economic integration, uphold common standards, and address collective challenges such as climate change and market regulation. Its role includes representing the EU in international negotiations and overseeing the implementation of EU policies across member states.

The European Commission significantly influences the EU's legislative and policy landscape. It has been instrumental in shaping key areas such as environmental protection, market regulation, and consumer rights through its legislative proposals. For instance, the Commission's initiatives on climate change have driven the EU's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. Its regulations often set high standards globally, impacting international trade and environmental practices. The Commission also plays a crucial role in enforcing EU laws, ensuring member states adhere to agreed-upon regulations, and maintaining the integrity of the single market. Through its oversight and enforcement duties, the Commission helps ensure uniformity and effectiveness in the implementation of EU policies across diverse member states.