The European Commission

The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union (EU). It is responsible for implementing EU laws, the budget, and programs, as well as supervising administration. The Commission has 27 members, one from each member state, who are chosen for a five-year term. Its headquarters is in Brussels.

The Commission works to promote the general interests of the Union. It makes sure that the EU’s founding treaties and the laws based on them are applied correctly, under the supervision of the Court of Justice. It manages the EU budget and programs, and carries out coordination, executive, and management tasks. Except for foreign and security policy, it also represents the Union externally. The Commission proposes new laws to the European Parliament and the Council. In most cases, EU laws can only be adopted based on a Commission proposal.

The President of the Commission sets the main guidelines, organizes the work of the Commission, and appoints vice-presidents (except the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy). If the President asks, a Commissioner must resign.

The European Council proposes a candidate for Commission President, taking into account European Parliament elections. The candidate must be elected by a majority in the European Parliament. If rejected, the Council must propose a new candidate within one month. Together with the elected President, the Council approves the list of Commissioners proposed by member states. The whole team, including the President and the High Representative, must then be approved by the Parliament. Finally, the European Council officially appoints the Commission.

The Commission as a whole is politically responsible to the European Parliament. Parliament can vote a motion of no confidence. If it passes, the entire Commission must resign.

Although Commissioners come from the member states, they must act in the general interest of the Union, not their home country. They work independently and do not take instructions from national governments or other bodies.

Inside the Commission, there are administrative units called Directorates-General (DGs). Each DG is led by a Director-General who reports to the responsible Commissioner. They handle specific policy areas and administrative work.

Source: Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Directorate for EU Affairs