European Commission Composition

Content about European Commission Composition from the publication “The ABC of European Union law” (2010, European Union) by Klaus-Dieter Borchardt.

The Commission is headed by a President who is assisted by seven Vice- Presidents, including the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy as the first Vice-President. Over time, the President’s position within the Commission has been considerably strengthened. He or she is no longer ‘first among equals’ but enjoys a prominent position in that the Commission must work ‘under the political guidance’ of its President (Article 17 TEU). The President thus has a ‘power to provide guidance’. The President decides as to the internal organisation of the Commission in order to ensure that it acts consistently and efficiently. He or she also allocates responsibilities among the Commissioners, and may reshuffle the allocation of those responsibilities during the Commission’s term of office. The President appoints the Vice-Presidents, and can force a Member of the Commission to resign. The prominent position of the President is also reflected by his or her membership of the European Council.

Context of European Commission Composition in the European Union

The President and Members of the Commission are appointed for a term of five years using the investiture procedure: the European Council, acting by a qualified majority, nominates the person it intends to propose for election by the European Parliament as President of the Commission, taking into account the majority vote of the European Parliament. The European Parliament then elects the President by a majority of its members. If the candidate does not obtain the required majority in Parliament, the European Council proposes a new candidate to Parliament within a month. The Member States then draw up a list of people to be nominated as Members of the Commission. This list is adopted by the Council, acting by a qualified majority and by common accord with the President. Once the Commission President has been elected by the European Parliament, the other Members of the Commission are subject to a vote of approval by Parliament. After approval by Parliament, the Members of the Commission other than the President are formally appointed by the Council of the EU, acting by a qualified majority.

More about European Commission Composition in the European Union

The Members of the Commission must be chosen ‘on the grounds of their general competence’ and be ‘completely independent in the performance of their duties’ (Article 17(3) TEU). They may neither seek nor take instructions from any government.

Other Aspects

The seat of the European Commission is in Brussels.