European Commission

(read it from the book these fragments were taken from the chaotic course presentations)

Members of Commission are elected for 5 years, each member being represented by a
national member in the commission. The number of the commissioners is smaller than the number
of member states.
Criteria of choosing:
- general competence
- members of national member states
- each member state has one commissioner
Composition of the European Commission
The conditions when the Union will consist of 27 member states:
- at present the Commission has 20 members; the number of the Commissioners will be < number of
member states
- members of the Commission will be chosen according to a rotation system
- the Commissioners will act like a college
- the Council will adopt the number of Commissioners by unanimous vote
Other conditions:
- member states shall be treated equally
- each successive college will reflect the demographical structure of the European member states
- any state exceeding shall have a national in the Commission
Nomination of the Commissioners
European
Council

nominates

President

proposal goes
to approval

European
Parliament

together with

approval

choose
Member
States

propose

Council of European Union

Members

College

appoints

The individual mandate (this procedure is used from January 1st, 2005).
Ways of changing the members of the Commission:
through successive rotation
by voluntary resignation
by compulsory retirement ruled by the COJ

death
motion of censure

The members basic feature is independency and they:

are not allowed to receive instructions from any national government or
institution
must refrain from any action/activity that is incompatible with their
position/function
must behave with integrity
The President of the Commission represents the Commissioner in relation with 3 rd parties in
front of the Council and E.P. He can propose the dismissal of one of the members. Each member has
a cabinet. Members discuss issues and they meet weekly to prepare the works of the Commission.
Guardian of the Treaties (European Community)
1. pre-litigation non-compliance
2. post-litigation non-compliance