The European Commission (Second Edition)

Abstract:

The European Commission is at the very heart of the European integration process and, with the Council, is one of the two central institutions of the European Union. Its activist role under Jacques Delors led to a dramatic increase in its activity and influence and contributed to a crisis of confidence in its effectiveness and its lack of adequate financial controls which culminated in the resignation of the entire Commission under Jacques Santer in 1999.

What progress has the Commission made in addressing these issues under Romano Prodi? What are its prospects in face of the new challenges of Eastward enlargement? How great is its influence and how does this vary according to issues and circumstances? What are the implications of its hybrid character as a political and administrative body? How much has the Commission changed over time and how much - and how - does it need to change now?

This publication provides an introduction to, and assessment of the Commission, its evolution, composition, organisation, character, functioning and role.

Table of Contents:

1. An overview of the Commission
2. The history of the Commission
3. The President
4. The College
5. Commissioners' Cabinets
6. The Services
7. Personnel
8. The Commission's relations with other EU actors
9. The provision of leadership
10. The making of EU legislation
11. Executive functions
12. External relations