The European Commission is the EU's politically independent executive arm.

responsible for drawing up proposals for new European legislation

implements the decisions of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

The Commission is the sole EU institution tabling laws for adoption by the Parliament and
the Council that:

protect the interests of the EU and its citizens on issues that can't be dealt with
effectively at national level;
get technical details right by consulting experts and the public.

Sets EU spending priorities, together with the Council and Parliament.

Draws up annual budgets for approval by the Parliament and Council.
Supervises how the money is spent, under scrutiny by the Court of Auditors.

Together with the Court of Justice, ensures that EU law is properly applied in all the
member countries.

Represents the EU internationally

Speaks on behalf of all EU countries in international bodies, in particular in areas of

trade policy and humanitarian aid.
Negotiates international agreements for the EU.

Political leadership provided by a team of 28 Commissioners

Led by the Commission President
College of Commissioners: President, seven Vice-Presidents (First Vice-President),
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Policy and Security Policy and
twenty other Commissioners in charge of portfolio
Portfolios: Agriculture and Rural Development; Climate Action; Digital Agenda;
Energy; Economic and Financial Affairs; Environment; Health and Consumer Policy;
Industry
Day-to-day running performed by staff (organised into DGs, consisting of about 23
000 servants)
 President proposed by national leaders in the European Council, and needs the
support of the European Parliament
Presidential candidate selects potential VPs and Commissioners
Each nominee explains before the EP his vision
Decisions are based on collective responsibility (NOT individual)
Decisions are made by consensus, but votes can also take place (simple majority
rule)
Commissioners support VPs in submitting proposals to the College; DG then drafts a
legislative proposal, adopted by the Commissioners
VPs act on behalf of the President and coordinate work in there are of responsibility

History of the European Commission

Originates in 1951 as the High Authority in the European Coal and Steel Community
1965: formed as we know it today: combined executive bodies of the European Coal
and Steel Community, European Atomic Energy Community and the European
Economic Community
1967 effectively combined by Jean Rey; completed the customs union; European
Parliament
Delors Commission served three terms; the third was the Commission of the EU;
founding fathers of the euro