European Commission

Quick Facts: Who was European Commission?

Subject:

European Commission

Known for:

The executive cabinet of the European Union, overseeing EU policy and law.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The European Commission (EC) is the executive cabinet of the European Union. It is composed of 27 members of the Commission (known as Commissioners) corresponding to the number of member states, unless the European Council, by unanimous consent, decides to alter this number. The current number of Commissioners is 27, including the president.

Career & Major Achievements

It oversees an administrative body of about 32,000 European Civil Service employees. The commission is divided into departments known as Directorates-General (DGs), comparable to national ministries, each headed by a director-general (comparable to a permanent secretary) who is responsible to a Commissioner.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Currently, there is one Commissioner per member state, but members are bound by their oath of office to represent the interest of the EU as a whole rather than their home state. The Commission president (currently Ursula von der Leyen) is nominated by the European Council (the 27 heads of government) and must win the confidence of the European Parliament before assuming office.

Notable Quotes by European Commission

“The Commission is the engine of the European project.” (2004)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: European Commission

True or False: “True or False: The European Commission's Commissioners are primarily bound to represent the specific national interests of their home member state.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. Commissioners are bound by their oath of office to represent the interest of the European Union as a whole, rather than solely their home state.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• European Community — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A key regional body fostering economic integration from 1957 to 2009.
• European Economic Community — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Regional organization founded by the Treaty of Rome to foster economic integration.
• European exploration of Africa — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A chronicle of European maritime efforts to map and exploit the African continent.
• European integration — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The gradual political, legal, social, and economic unification of European states.
• European land exploration of Australia — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: European efforts to map and settle the Australian interior from the late 18th century.
• European Patent Convention — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Multilateral treaty granting European Patents via the European Patent Organisation (EPO).

Frequently Asked Questions about European Commission