The European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, is composed of the College of Commissioners, which consists of 27 European Commissioners, one from each member state of the European Union (EU) [1]. Each Commissioner is responsible for one or several policy areas [1].
Key Facts
- Composition: The College of Commissioners is composed of 27 European Commissioners, one from each member state of the European Union. Each Commissioner is responsible for one or several policy areas.
- Appointment: The European Commission President is proposed by the European Council, which consists of the heads of state or government of the EU member states. The President is then elected by the European Parliament. The other members of the Commission are nominated by the Council of the European Union in agreement with the nominated President. The entire College of Commissioners is subject to a vote of approval by the European Parliament.
- Representation: While each Commissioner is appointed by their respective member state, they are bound by their oath of office to represent the general interest of the European Union as a whole, rather than their home state.
- Responsibilities: The European Commissioners are responsible for various policy areas, such as agriculture, trade, environment, justice, and competition. Each Commissioner is assigned specific portfolios and is responsible for proposing and implementing EU policies and legislation in their respective areas.
Appointment of the European Commission
The President of the European Commission is proposed by the European Council, which consists of the heads of state or government of the EU member states [1]. The President is then elected by the European Parliament [1]. The other members of the Commission are nominated by the Council of the European Union in agreement with the nominated President [1]. The entire College of Commissioners is subject to a vote of approval by the European Parliament [1].
Representation by the European Commission
While each Commissioner is appointed by their respective member state, they are bound by their oath of office to represent the general interest of the European Union as a whole, rather than their home state [1].
Responsibilities of the European Commission
The European Commissioners are responsible for various policy areas, such as agriculture, trade, environment, justice, and competition [1]. Each Commissioner is assigned specific portfolios and is responsible for proposing and implementing EU policies and legislation in their respective areas [1].
Sources
[1] European Commission. (n.d.). European Commission. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Commission
FAQs
Who is responsible for appointing the European Commission?
The President of the European Commission is proposed by the European Council and elected by the European Parliament. The other members of the Commission are nominated by the Council of the European Union in agreement with the nominated President.
How many Commissioners are there in the European Commission?
There are 27 Commissioners in the European Commission, one from each member state of the European Union.
What is the role of the European Commissioners?
The European Commissioners are responsible for various policy areas, such as agriculture, trade, environment, justice, and competition. Each Commissioner is assigned specific portfolios and is responsible for proposing and implementing EU policies and legislation in their respective areas.
Are the European Commissioners accountable to their home countries?
No, while each Commissioner is appointed by their respective member state, they are bound by their oath of office to represent the general interest of the European Union as a whole, rather than their home state.
How often is the European Commission appointed?
The European Commission is appointed every five years, following the European Parliament elections.
What is the difference between the European Commission and the European Council?
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing and implementing EU policies and legislation. The European Council is the political body that brings together the heads of state or government of the EU member states.
What is the difference between the European Commission and the European Parliament?
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing and implementing EU policies and legislation. The European Parliament is the legislative branch of the European Union, responsible for approving or rejecting the Commission’s proposals.