Mission

The European Commission (EC) represents and upholds the interests of the European Union (EU). It does so by participating in the decision-making process, in particular by presenting proposals for European law, by overseeing the correct implementation of the Treaties and European law, and by carrying out common policies and managing funds.

Governance

The European Commission has a unique governance structure. The Commission works under the political guidance of its President. The College of Commissioners represents the apex of the structure, defining policy and taking decisions: it carries political responsibility for the actions undertaken by the Commission. The operational implementation is delegated to Directors-General and Heads of Services, who lead the administrative structure of the Commission.

Composition and Terms of Office

The College of Commissioners consists of 28 members - one from each EU country. A new Commission is appointed every five years, within six months of the elections to the European Parliament. The current President of the European Commission is Jean-Claude Juncker.