Knowra European Commission European Commission The European Union institution that proposes legislation, implements EU policies and budget, and oversees compliance with EU law. Its commissioners are appointed for five-year terms and are expected to act independently of national governments.
European Union legislative procedure : The process through which the European Parliament and Council of the European Union jointly adopt most EU legislation. The Commission usually initiates this process by submitting a legislative proposal.
European Union : A political and economic union of European countries governed by shared institutions and common law. The Commission is one of the EU’s central institutions.
Treaty of Paris : The 1951 treaty that established the European Coal and Steel Community and its independent High Authority. The High Authority was a predecessor of the modern Commission.
Ursula von der Leyen : German politician who became president of the European Commission in 2019. She leads the Commission and sets its political priorities.
Council of Europe : An international organization focused on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, separate from the European Union. Despite the similar name, it is not an EU institution and does not direct the Commission.
European Union law : The body of treaties, legislation, and legal principles governing the European Union and its institutions. The Commission proposes rules within this legal system and monitors their application.
European Parliament : The directly elected institution that represents citizens in the European Union’s legislative and budgetary processes. Parliament scrutinizes the Commission and co-legislates on most EU laws.
Treaty of Rome : The 1957 treaties that established the European Economic Community and Euratom. They created the Commission of the European Economic Community, a direct institutional predecessor.
College of Commissioners : The Commission’s political leadership, consisting of its president, vice-presidents, and one commissioner from each EU member state. The College makes decisions collectively and directs the institution’s work.
European Council president : The chair of meetings of EU national leaders, responsible for continuity in the European Council’s work. This office is distinct from the Commission presidency, which leads the EU executive institution.
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