The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union and represents the common interest of the European Union. It puts forward proposals for new laws (except on common foreign and security policy issues). It implements common EU policies and manages EU funds and programmes – more specifically, the European Commission drafts EU legislation and coordinates on a daily basis the implementation of the EU policies and the allocation of financial resources. The European Commission also oversees the implementation of EU treaties and laws. It is entitled to take measures against violators and, if necessary, appeal to the European Court.

The European Commission is composed of the College of Commissioners from 27 EU countries, including 1 president, 8 vice-presidents and 18 commissioners. Commissioners are elected to a five-year term. According to the decision of the president of the European Commission, each commissioner is responsible for a specific policy area. Members of the European Commission, like the President, represent the interests of the European Union and, therefore, they should not be influenced by the member states. The European Commission functions on the principle of collegiality, which means that Commissioners bear collective responsibility for the decisions they adopt.

The candidate for the President of the European Commission is nominated by the European Council. the European Parliament’s role in relation to the Commission has gradually increased. According to the Treaty of Lisbon, after the election of the European Parliament, a candidate nominated by the European Council is elected by the European Parliament for a period of five years. If the latter rejects the candidate, the European Council will propose a new candidate, and this has to be done  within a month. At the subsequent stage,  the council (of ministers) will present other members of the commission as well. The European Parliament must approve President of the Commission, as well as Commissioners and High Representative. Only with the approval of the European Parliament can the European Council elect the Commission (by a qualified majority). In addition, the Commissioners are accountable during their term of office to Parliament, which has the exclusive right to dismiss the Commission. Based on the Treaty of Lisbon, individual members can be dismissed by the President of the European Commission.

The Commission is based in Brussels and Luxembourg, it has representations in all EU member states and delegations in capitals around the world.