The European Commission: Definition and roles
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. It is made up of 27 Commissioners, including a President and a High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, appointed by the Member States. Since 2019, the President of the European Commission has been Ursula von der Leyen, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU, conservatives).
The European Commission’s main role is to promote the general interest of the EU by proposing legislation, implementing decisions and managing EU policies and the budget. It also ensures that the Treaties and European Union law are applied.
Main roles of the European Commission
The European Commission :
- Proposes legislation: The Commission submits legislative proposals to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. In practice, the Commission follows the broad guidelines laid down in advance by the European Council, which brings together the heads of state and government of the member states.
- Implements policies: It implements the decisions of the Parliament and the Council, ensuring that EU policies and laws are applied uniformly.
- Manages the budget: The Commission manages the EU budget, ensuring that funds are spent efficiently and in line with EU objectives.
- Monitors and controls the application of the Treaties: It monitors Member States’ compliance with the EU Treaties, and can launch infringement proceedings in the event of non-compliance.
- Represents the European Union abroad: The Commission represents the EU on the international stage, negotiating international agreements and participating in international organizations.
How does the European Commission work?
The European Commission is organized into various Directorates-General (DGs), each responsible for a specific area of EU policy, such as the environment, the economy or foreign affairs. Here are the different stages in the Commission’s operation:
- Appointment of Commissioners: Each Member State appoints a Commissioner, approved by the European Parliament. The President of the Commission is elected by the Parliament.
- Allocation of portfolios: The President allocates specific portfolios to the Commissioners, corresponding to the different DGs.
- Interdepartmental collaboration: DGs then work together to develop legislative and policy proposals.
- Decision-making: Commission proposals are adopted by a simple majority of Commissioners.
- Interaction with other institutions: Proposals are then submitted to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for adoption.
Concrete examples of the European Commission’s action:
- The Green Pact for Europe: The Commission has launched the Green Pact for Europe, a series of initiatives aimed at making Europe climate-neutral by 2050. This includes legislative proposals on renewable energies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the circular economy.
- The NextGenerationEU recovery plan: In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Commission has proposed the NextGenerationEU recovery plan, endowed with 800 billion euros to support the economic recovery of member states. This plan also finances green and digital transition projects.
- Strengthening cybersecurity in Europe: The European Commission has proposed the NIS2 directive, which imposes strict requirements on technology companies and critical infrastructures, ensuring enhanced protection against cyberattacks.
- Promoting renewable energies: The Commission initiated the Renewable Energy Directive, setting ambitious targets for member states. As a result, companies in the energy sector have received subsidies and incentives to develop solar, wind and biomass energy projects.
Conclusion
The European Commission plays a central role in the governance and development of the European Union. By proposing legislation, implementing policies and managing the EU budget, it ensures the coherence and effectiveness of European action. For citizens and businesses alike, the Commission is a key partner in the achievement of common goals, be they ecological transition, digital innovation or the promotion of educational mobility.
