What are the two departments of the “Commission”?
(1) The College of Commissioners (political leadership) and (2) the Brussels bureaucracy (administrative staff).
What Treaty article sets out the powers of the Commission?
Article 17 TEU.
What are the Commission’s three main powers?
Legislative, administrative, executive.
How is the Commission President elected under the Lisbon Treaty?
Indirectly, the European Council proposes a candidate (by QMV), “taking account” of EP elections; the European Parliament elects the candidate by majority (Art. 17(7) TEU).
What happens if the EP rejects the Council’s proposed candidate?
The Council must propose a new candidate within one month.
What trend has occurred regarding the Commission Presidency since the early Treaties?
The role evolved from primus inter pares (first among equals) to pre-eminent authority (most important) within the Commission.
What are the President’s key powers?
Sets guidelines for the Commission’s work, decides internal organisation, appoints Vice-Presidents, allocates and reshuffles portfolios, and can request a Commissioner’s resignation.
Example of Presidential vision shaping policy?
Jacques Delors’ leadership in advancing the Single Market and von der Leyen’s six 2019–24 priorities (e.g., Green Deal, Digital Age, Stronger Europe).
How many Commissioners are there currently?
27 (one per Member State).
What was the Lisbon Treaty’s original plan for Commission size?
To reduce it to two-thirds of Member States after 2014, unless the European Council unanimously decided otherwise.
Why was the “one per Member State” rule kept?
Due to Ireland’s demand before its second Lisbon referendum, confirmed by a 2013 European Council decision.
Who selects Commissioners?
Member States suggest candidates; the Council and President-elect agree on a list; the EP approves the College; the Council formally appoints (Art. 17(7) TEU).
What principles govern Commissioners’ conduct?
Independence, competence, and duty not to seek/take instructions from governments or bodies (Art. 245 TFEU).
How can a Commissioner be removed?
By the CJEU (on Council application) for misconduct; or at the President’s request to resign.
How does the College make decisions?
By majority vote under the President’s guidance, typically after cabinet and DG coordination.
Roughly how many people work for the Commission bureaucracy?
Around 32,000.
What are the main administrative units called?
Directorates-General (DGs).
What are the four main hierarchical levels in the Commission bureaucracy?
Commissioner → Director-General → Director → Head of Division/Unit.
What is the function of the Secretariat-General?
Coordinates drafting and prepares College meeting agendas.
How are officials recruited and promoted?
On merit through competitive examination, though informal national quotas influence senior posts.
What exclusive right does the Commission have in legislation?
The right of initiative (Art. 17(2) TEU) — most EU laws begin with a Commission proposal.
How else does the Commission influence legislation?
By setting the annual/multiannual legislative programme and producing strategic documents (e.g., White Papers).
What allows the Commission to make delegated legislation?
Article 290 TFEU (delegated acts).
What administrative role does the Commission have?
Manages programmes, oversees Member State implementation, and may directly administer certain EU policies.
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Institutions22
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Sources of Law18
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Theory,Political aims & integration30
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History of Treaties, Deepening, Crises & themes (RoL,Energy,Democratic Deficit)25
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Commission - Depth34
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Council - In depth41
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European Council in depth33
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High Representative (non-institution) depth25
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Council v commission debate7
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European parliament in depth35
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European court of justice in depth41
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Arguments for democratic deficit22
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Arguments against democratic deficit22
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Theories for democratic deficit29
