European Commission

Definition

The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the day-to-day operations of the EU. It plays a critical role in shaping policies that affect member states, including the UK, especially before its departure from the EU.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The European Commission consists of 27 commissioners, one from each EU member state, who are responsible for specific policy areas.
2. The Commission's president is elected by the European Parliament and oversees the work of the entire Commission.
3. It has the exclusive right to initiate legislation in most areas of EU policy, making it a powerful entity within the EU structure.
4. The European Commission also ensures that EU laws are properly implemented by member states and can take legal action against countries that fail to comply.
5. It plays a key role in negotiating international agreements on behalf of the EU and represents the Union in international organizations.

Review Questions

• How does the European Commission influence policy-making within the European Union?
  • The European Commission significantly influences policy-making within the EU by having the exclusive right to initiate legislation in various areas such as trade, environmental regulations, and consumer protection. This means that before any new law can be enacted, it must first be proposed by the Commission. Once proposed, these initiatives are discussed and potentially amended by other EU bodies like the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, highlighting how essential the Commission's role is in shaping EU laws.
• Evaluate the relationship between the European Commission and the UK during its membership in the EU.
  • During its membership in the EU, the UK had a complex relationship with the European Commission. As a member state, the UK was subject to laws and regulations proposed by the Commission but also had representation through its own Commissioner. The UK's influence was often seen as limited compared to larger member states; however, it played an active role in negotiations and discussions surrounding key issues. The departure of the UK from the EU marked a significant change in this relationship, ending its direct participation in shaping policies through the Commission.
• Analyze how changes in the composition of the European Commission could impact future policies and relations with non-EU countries.
  • Changes in the composition of the European Commission can significantly impact future policies and relations with non-EU countries. For example, if a new president or commissioner emphasizes trade agreements or environmental initiatives differently than their predecessors, this could lead to shifts in how the EU negotiates with countries outside its borders. Additionally, varying political ideologies among commissioners can affect priorities regarding human rights, climate change, or economic sanctions. Therefore, understanding these dynamics is crucial for grasping how external relations might evolve as new leadership is appointed within the Commission.

Related terms

European Union: A political and economic union of 27 European countries that are located primarily in Europe, allowing for the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.

Council of the European Union: One of the main decision-making bodies of the EU, where representatives from member states' governments meet to discuss, amend, and adopt laws proposed by the European Commission.

EU Regulation: Legislation that is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all EU member states without needing national legislation to implement it.