History
Each Community had it's own body at first, but due to the Merger Treaty (1965), ECSC, EEC and Euratom were merged into 1 single Commission. |
When ECSC expired, it's assets went to the Commission. |
Composition of the EU Commission
The President |
7 Vice Presidents |
20 other commissioners |
Lisbon Treaty made Commission with 1 person per Member State including the High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
system is established by the European Council.
How the President is Appointed
Because of Lisbon Treaty, President is indirectly elected.
The European Council acting by a qualified majority, propose a candidate for the Commission president to the parliament.
The candidate is elected by parliament by majority. |
if the candidate does not get majority from parliament, council has to propose someone new for president.
How the Commissioners are Appointed
Member states suggest people for Commissioners. The Council will act as a majority with the President-elect, will make a list of proposed commissioners (based on the suggestions of member states).
The commissioners are then either approved or rejected by parliament, and if approved, the council appoints the president and commissioners. |
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The President
Commission operates under guidance of its President, who lays down guidelines for working of Commission. |
Decides on internal organisation. |
Appoints vice-presidents. |
Commission duties are given by president. |
Can request resignation of a commissioner. |
The Vice-Presidents
Can act in the name of the President. |
Co-ordinate work of commissioners in their area of responsibility. |
Commission proposals will not be discussed by the rest of commission if it has not been recognised by first vice-president. |
The Commissioners
Chosen by general competence and their independence has to be absolute. |
Work in general interest of EU. |
Even though they come from member states, they do not represent their state. |
Take decisions by majority vote. |
Each have their own staff/cabinet. |
They will be forced to retire if they no longer are competent or if they perform misconduct.
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Accountability
The commission has collective accountability to parliament. If parliament want everyone to resign, they would have to resign. |
Organisation and Operation
The Commission works under the guidance of the president and has a secretariat-general of 33 directorates-general who develop, manage and implement EU policy, law and funding.
There are 20 special departments that deal with necessary issues. There are also 6 executive agencies that perform tasks given to them by the Commission (have their own legal personality).
Commission meets every 6 weeks to discuss politically sensitive issues and adopt proposals. |
Legislative Power
Commission is the only institution that can propose new laws which Council and Parliament adopt. |
Main role is to take initiative in proposing EU legislation. |
Commission is not free to choose its own activities and obliged to act if Union interest requires it. |
Most proposals will have to be approved by Council and EP, but Commission can act as a 'motor of integration'. |
Commission develops overall legislative plan for every year. |
Exercises legislative power through its capacity too enact EU norms. |
Exercises delegated power to make further regulations in certain areas. |
Administrative Power
Commission manages programmes, policies have to be administered and law must be implemented. |
Implements the budget and member states will make payments due to the EU through monthly payments. |
Administers executive agencies which helped the European Commission manage EU programmes. |
Exercises powers to implement legislative acts. |
Maintains a supervisory overview to ensure that rules are obeyed. |
Executive Power
Plays a role in establishing EU's budget by drawing up a draft budget. |
Each institution other than Commission makes estimates including all revenue and expenditure to send to commission. |
Exercises power in external relations by representing EU in formal and informal negotiations and exchanges. |
Represents EU at international organisations. |
Is a key point of contact between EU and non-members. |
Has 139 delegations across the world to negotiate internationally. |
Judicial Power
Enforces EU law and ensures that treaties are enforced. |
If Member State does not obey directives, Commission could open formal infringement procedures. |
Art 17(1) TEU says Commission must ensure application of Treaties and law and oversees application of EU law under ECJ. |
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