The European Commission is the EU's executive body — often called the "engine of European integration". It has the exclusive right to propose EU legislation, enforces EU law, and manages EU policies. Understanding its composition, powers, and independence is key for the EPSO exam.
1. Composition
27
Commissioners (1 per member state)
8
Vice-Presidents (incl. HR/VP)
The Commission consists of one Commissioner per member state, including the President. Commissioners act in the general interest of the EU — they are completely independent of their national governments and may not take instructions from them (Art. 17(3) TEU).
Current Commission (2024–2029): Ursula von der Leyen (Germany) was re-elected as Commission President for a second term in July 2024. The von der Leyen II Commission took office on 1 December 2024.
2. The Four Roles of the Commission
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Exclusive Right of Initiative
Only the Commission can formally propose EU legislation (in most areas). Parliament and Council can request proposals but cannot force the Commission to act. This is the Commission's most important power.
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Guardian of the Treaties
Monitors whether member states comply with EU law. Can launch infringement proceedings (Art. 258 TFEU) before the Court of Justice. Can impose fines for non-compliance.
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Executive Function
Implements the EU budget (~€170bn/year). Manages EU programmes and funds (Cohesion, Horizon Europe, CAP (Common Agricultural Policy), etc.). Adopts delegated and implementing acts.
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External Representation
Negotiates international trade agreements on behalf of the EU. Represents the EU in most international organisations. Shares external representation with the HR/VP and European Council President.
3. Appointment of the Commission
European Council (QMV (Qualified Majority Voting))
Proposes a candidate for Commission President
Taking into account EP elections results. Must have qualified majority support.
European Parliament
Elects the Commission President
Majority of component members (absolute majority = 361+ votes out of 720).
Member States + Commission President
Propose Commissioner candidates
Each member state proposes a candidate. Commission President allocates portfolios and can ask for a different candidate.
EP Committees
Hold confirmation hearings for each Commissioner-designate
Each Commissioner-designate appears before the relevant committee. Committees can issue a favourable or unfavourable opinion (binding by convention).
European Parliament
Approves the entire College of Commissioners by consent
Simple majority of votes cast. EP votes on the whole College — it cannot reject individual Commissioners.
European Council (QMV)
Formally appoints the Commission
5-year term begins. Commission takes over.
4. The Commission President's Powers
The President of the Commission has significant internal powers (Art. 17 TEU):
- Decides the internal organisation of the Commission
- Allocates portfolios to Commissioners (and can reshuffle)
- Can ask a Commissioner to resign (individual removal)
- Appoints and dismisses Vice-Presidents
- Sets the political guidelines within which the Commission acts
Collegiality: The Commission acts as a college — decisions are taken collectively. A Commissioner cannot act alone in their portfolio area without collegial approval. The Commission acts by simple majority vote internally.
5. The Commission's Internal Structure
Each Commissioner oversees one or more Directorates-General (DGs) — the administrative departments of the Commission:
DG AGRI
Agriculture & Rural Development
DG ECFIN
Economic & Financial Affairs
DG EMPL
Employment & Social Affairs
DG GROW
Internal Market, Industry
DG JUST
Justice & Consumers
DG REGIO
Regional & Urban Policy
6. Dismissal and Accountability
- Motion of censure (EP): Parliament can force the entire Commission to resign (2/3 of votes cast + majority of all MEP (Member of the European Parliament)s — Art. 234 TFEU)
- Individual resignation: The Commission President can ask a Commissioner to resign. If a Commissioner refuses, the President can ask the College to remove them (requiring approval)
- Court of Justice: Can compulsorily retire a Commissioner who no longer fulfils conditions of office or has committed serious misconduct (Art. 247 TFEU)
Has a motion of censure ever succeeded? No — never. In 1999, the Santer Commission resigned collectively before a vote of censure, following a report on fraud and nepotism. This is the closest it came. The motion itself has never passed.
Key Terms
Right of initiative
The Commission's exclusive power to formally propose EU legislation in most policy areas (Art. 17 TEU). This is the Commission's most important role.
Guardian of the Treaties
The Commission monitors compliance with EU law and can launch infringement proceedings (Art. 258 TFEU) before the Court of Justice against non-compliant member states.
Collegiality
The Commission acts collectively as a College — all decisions are made by the group, not individual Commissioners acting alone.
Directorates-General (DGs)
The administrative departments of the Commission, each responsible for a specific policy area (e.g. DG COMP for competition, DG ENV for environment).
Infringement proceedings
Art. 258–260 TFEU: the procedure by which the Commission takes a member state to the Court of Justice for failing to comply with EU law. Can result in fines.
Independence
Art. 17(3) TEU: Commissioners must act in the general EU interest, be completely independent, and neither seek nor take instructions from any national government.