What is the European Commission and what does it do? European Commission Explained
Welcome to the Heart of Europe
Overview of the European Commission
- Brussels, Belgium is described as the center of European politics, influencing over 450 million citizens.
- The European Commission is highlighted as the sole body capable of proposing new laws and policies within the EU framework.
- The leadership structure includes a President and 26 Commissioners, each representing an EU Member State with specific portfolios (e.g., energy, agriculture).
Selection Process for the President
- Citizens from all EU countries participate in European Parliament elections, which initiate the selection process for the President of the European Commission.
- The European Council, composed of heads from each EU country, proposes a candidate based on election results.
- Following this proposal, the directly elected representatives in the European Parliament vote to elect the proposed candidate.
Role and Responsibilities of Commissioners
- Once approved by Parliament, the President assembles their team of Commissioners who serve a five-year term.
- The role of Commissioners is to act in favor of general EU interests rather than their individual Member States' interests.
- The Commission ensures compliance among Member States regarding new policies and plays a crucial role in shaping prosperity, security, and democracy within Europe.