EU Institutions: Roles and Functions
European Commission
- Role: Executive administration for the Union, originally granted the sole right to propose legislation under the treaties.
- The power of initiative is influenced by policy formulation and guidance from the Council of Ministers and the European Council.
- The Commission possesses its own powers of decision.
Commission President
The Commission President is proposed by the European Council to the European Parliament (EP) using Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) after consultations, taking into account the EP elections. The High Representative automatically serves as one of the Vice-Presidents of the Commission. The Commission President nominates the other Commissioners. The term is five years, renewable. Removal is possible through a vote of censure by the EP or if a Commissioner is found guilty of serious misconduct or no longer fulfills the required conditions.
Responsibilities
- Proposes new laws
- Manages EU policies and allocates EU funding
- Enforces EU law
- Represents the EU internationally
- Promotes the general interest of the Union and takes appropriate initiatives
The European Parliament
Originally known as the Assembly, its members were nominated from the Member States’ (MS) parliaments. Initially, it was not a legislative body capable of law-making and consisted of only one chamber. The first elections were held in 1979, with 518 members. It meets in plenary sessions. The number of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has settled at 750, plus the President. MEPs are elected to serve their constituents and are organized into cross-border political groups. All MS use a proportional representation voting system. The current President is David Sassoli.
Functions
- Legislative
- Supervisory
- Budgetary
- Right to Litigate
Plenary meetings follow parliamentary committee meetings. Issues are addressed at the committee level before being approved in plenary sessions.
The Council of Ministers of the EU
Represents the 27 governments. Its general responsibilities include policy-making, coordinating functions, decision-making, delegating to the Commission, and adopting the annual budget.
Presidency of the Council
Chaired by a presidency held by each MS for a six-month period.
Voting Methods
The Council typically acts by QMV unless the treaties specify otherwise. Unanimity is now much rarer.
- Unanimity: All MS must agree, allowing any MS to use a veto.
- Simple Majority Voting: Enacted by an arithmetic majority (e.g., 15 states vs. 13 states), requiring more than half of all votes cast.
- Qualified Majority Voting (QMV): Two forms exist:
- Standard: Decisions are adopted if at least 55% of MS (15/27), representing at least 65% of the EU population, approve.
- Reinforced: At least 72% of MS must approve, representing at least 65% of the EU population. Abstention counts as a vote against.
Responsibilities
- Negotiates and adopts EU laws
- Coordinates EU countries’ policies
- Develops the EU’s foreign and security policy
- Concludes agreements between the EU and other countries or international organizations
- Adopts the annual EU budget
The Council has general powers to enact legislation. It acts unanimously to adopt provisions for harmonizing legislation concerning taxes or excise duties. It uses QMV for proposals related to the establishment and functioning of the internal market. The Council can also enact measures to attain the Union’s objectives.
The European Council
The European Council evolved from summit meetings of the heads of state and government of the MS. These meetings addressed matters outside the formal scope of the Community treaties, responded to international crises, and set priorities. It comprises 27 heads of state, the European Council President, and the President of the European Commission.
Role and Meetings
The European Council provides the necessary impetus for the Union’s development and defines its general political direction and priorities. It meets twice every six months. Decision-making is typically by consensus, although certain areas now use QMV. The European Council oversees membership applications and played a significant role in Brexit negotiations.
Responsibilities
- Decides on the EU’s overall direction and political priorities
- Addresses complex or sensitive issues that cannot be resolved at lower levels of intergovernmental cooperation
- Sets the EU’s common foreign and security policy
- Nominates and appoints candidates to certain high-profile EU-level roles
The European Council can request the European Commission to make a proposal or pass it on to the Council of the EU.
European Council President
Elected by QMV for a 2.5-year term, renewable once. The President chairs the European Council, drives forward and organizes its work in cooperation with the Commission and the General Affairs Council, seeks consensus within the European Council, and reports to the EP after each meeting.
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Chosen from among the Commissioners, elected by the European Council using QMV, and then becomes a Commission Vice-President. The High Representative conducts the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), chairs Council foreign affairs meetings, and leads the Commission in external relations.