Description: War Thunder is a next generation military MMO game dedicated to...
EUROPEAN COMMISSION (EC), one of the supranational political institutions of the European Union (EU); general management body. Created in 1965 within the framework of European economic integration organizations (since 1967 the European Community). The status of the European Commission, the formation procedure, powers and decision-making procedure are determined by the founding acts and internal regulations, to which is attached a code of proper conduct for members of the administration.
The Commission is composed of European Commissioners, a Chairman, two Vice-Chairmen and members. Each Member State of the EU has one seat on the European Commission. The candidate for the presidency is proposed by the Council of the EU, subject to the approval of the European Parliament; candidacies of other members of the European Commission are presented by the relevant committees of the Parliament, the final decision on the appointment is made by the Council of the EU. The term of office of the European Commission is 5 years.
The meetings of the European Commission are held weekly. Decisions are made by majority vote. The Commission may also delegate decision-making power to its members within their competence. Each commissioner-member of the commission is in charge of a certain range of issues related to his competence.
The Commission ensures the observance and execution of constituent agreements and acts of secondary law adopted on their basis. In case of non-fulfillment of obligations by EU Member States, the Commission may send them a reasoned opinion and demand the fulfillment of the obligations assumed, as well as file a claim for non-fulfillment of obligations with the EU Court of Justice. The Commission is a participant in the rule-making process. Draft acts and decisions prepared by the European Commission are published in the form of a green (concept) or white (draft) book and are submitted for wide discussion. The European Commission prepares the draft EU budget and ensures its implementation. The Commission, together with the Court of Justice of the European Union, supervises the observance and application of European law. It has the power to impose penalties, especially in order to enforce the rules of fair competition. The European Commission also plays a key role in EU external relations through general rule the initiator of decision-making on the conclusion of treaties and agreements with third states and international organizations. The Commission manages the activities of the permanent missions of the European Commission in third countries and international organizations. The European Commission ensures the conduct of negotiations and the implementation of appropriate monitoring when deciding on the admission of new members to the EU.
The European Commission has an extensive administrative apparatus. It is structured in the form of Directorates General, which are in charge of specific management issues (26 in 2007). Each commissioner has his own personal auxiliary administrative apparatus. The head and members of such cabinets ensure the political cooperation of the commissioner with the directorates subordinate to him, as well as the coordination of the actions of the various general departments. A number of administrative services operate directly under the President of the European Commission. The auxiliary administrative apparatus forms the general secretariat. A specialized service is the legal service of the commission.
The European Commission is responsible for the implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the Russian Federation (1994). In 2004, the Agreement on Relations between the EU and Russia was adopted, providing for the creation of 4 common spaces: a common economic space; areas of external security; a common space of freedom, security and justice; common space for scientific research and education. Coordination in Russian Federation carries out the Permanent Delegation of the European Commission.
Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation
Moscow State University econometrics, statistics, informatics, finance and law
EU law.
Subject: European Commission
Fulfilled
group student
Tsar Sergei
STAGES OF EU DEVELOPMENT
Already after the First World War, the European idea was present in political discussions, but did not lead to concrete steps. Then, after the destruction brought by the second World War, European leaders have come to believe that cooperation and common efforts are the best way ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in Europe. The process began on 9 May 1950 with a speech by Robert Schumann, Minister of Foreign Affairs
France, which proposed to unite the coal and steel industries
France and the Federal Republic of Germany.
This concept was realized in 1951 by the Treaty of Paris establishing the European Coal and Steel Community with six member countries:
Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The success of the Treaty encouraged these six countries to expand the process to other areas.
In 1957, the Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community. They were accordingly aimed at creating a customs union and breaking down internal trade barriers within the Community, as well as developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
In 1967, the executive bodies of the three Communities merged, creating the basic structure recognized today, with the main institutions such as the European Commission, Council, Parliament and
Court.
The next cornerstone in the process European integration became
The Maastricht Treaty of 1992, which defined the three pillars of the European
Unions: the first is the European Community, the two new ones are intergovernmental cooperation in international politics and in the field of security, as well as in justice and home affairs. Besides,
The Maastricht Treaty provided a framework for a single currency and greater political integration.
Further steps were discussed at the Intergovernmental Conference, which began in 1996 in Turin and ended with the signing
Treaty of Amsterdam in June 1997. The challenge for the next century will be to expand European Union and the inclusion of new member countries - especially from
Central and Eastern Europe.
Community expansion timeline
The European Community has developed in stages. An important criterion for membership in the Community is the presence in the country of a democratic government, whose activities are based on the principle of pluralism.
January 1, 1958: Treaties of the European Economic Community
(EEC) and Euratom come into action.
July 1961: EEC and Greece sign an associate membership agreement.
December 1964: Associate membership agreement with Turkey enters into force.
January 1973: Accession by Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
The number of members of the Community has grown to 9.
January 1981: Accession of Greece.
January 1986: Accession of Spain and Portugal. The Community now has 12 Member States. Associate Membership Agreements with
Cyprus and Malta.
January 1994: Agreement on the European Economic Area
(EEA) enters into force, extending many of the benefits of the EU single market to the EFTA countries.
February 1994: The "European" or Associate Membership Agreements with Poland and Hungary enter into force. The agreements recognize the right of signatory states to become full members
Union, as soon as they meet all the requirements for EU members.
April 1994: Poland and Hungary submitted applications for accession to the EU.
January 1995: Austria, Finland and Sweden joined the
European Union, after successful accession negotiations were confirmed in national referendums. Thus, the EU brought the number of its members to 15. Norway, which took part in the negotiations, decided not to join the EU due to the negative results of the national referendum in November 1994.
February 1995: The European Agreements between the EU and
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania.
July 1997: The European Commission decided to start at the beginning
1998 to EU accession negotiations with the Czech Republic, Poland,
Hungary, Estonia, Slovenia and Cyprus.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union.
Twenty members of the Commission (two representatives from each of the 5 major member countries- France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain and Spain and one from each of the 10 small countries - Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland and Sweden) are appointed for five years by the national governments, but are completely independent in the performance of their duties. The composition of the Commission is approved by the European Parliament. Romano Prodi has been President of the European Commission since January 2000.
Directorate). On the this moment there are 26 of them.
The main working languages of the Commission are English, French and German. All official documents are translated and published in 11 European languages: Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Finnish and Swedish. The headquarters of the European Commission is located in Brussels, Belgium.
Compound. The European Commission is the executive body of the EU. Consists of 20 representatives of Member States, called Members of the Commission, who are appointed for a five-year term. All representatives are independent in their activities from national governments, although they are appointed by them. One of the members of the Commission is elected Chairman. The Commission consists of 2 representatives from each of the 5 major member states (France, Germany.
Italy, United Kingdom, Spain), and one each from the others. headquarters The commissions in Brussels are subdivided into Directorates General and into other departments.
Functions. Broadly speaking, the role of the Commission is:
Initiate policy development
Implement decisions
To act as a guarantor of legal provisions falling under its jurisdiction.
Each of the members of the Commission is responsible for a specific ministerial post or policy direction (as in the national government) and oversees the relevant units (the so-called General Directorate).
The main working languages of the Commission are English, French and German, but all official documents must be translated and published in the 11 official languages. The personnel of all EU institutions form a body of European officials independent of the governments of the member states. The Commission has a wide range of powers in the areas of competition, agriculture, transport, and the economy. It also manages various EU funds and programmes.
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. Its twenty members are independent in their activities from the national governments, although they are appointed by them. The Commission consists of two representatives from each of the 5 major member countries - France, Germany,
Italy, Great Britain and Spain - and one from each of the 10 small countries
- Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria,
Portugal, Finland and Sweden. The composition of the Commission, appointed for a period of five years, is approved by the European Parliament. Since January 1995 Chairman
The European Commission is Jacques Santer.
Each member of the Commission is responsible for specific area EU policy and heads the relevant unit (the so-called General
Directorate).
Commission plays leading role in ensuring daily activities
EU, aimed at the implementation of the fundamental Treaties. It comes up with legislative initiatives, and after approval controls their implementation. In case of violation of EU legislation, the Commission has the right to resort to sanctions, including appeal to the European Court of Justice.
The Commission has significant autonomous rights in various policy areas, including agricultural, trade, competition, transport, regional, etc. The Commission has an executive apparatus, and also manages the budget and various funds and programs of the European
Union, in particular the Tacis program.
The main working languages of the Commission are English, French and German, but all official documents must be translated and published in the 11 official languages: Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Finnish and Swedish.
The headquarters of the European Commission is located in Brussels, Belgium.
JACQUES SANTER
President of the European Commission (1995 - 2000)
Members of the Commission (1995-2000)
Jacques Santer, Chairman: General Secretariat; Combining Advanced Research; General Inspectorate; Legal service; monetary policy issues (together with Mr. de Silgi); Press service; Joint Interpretation and Conference Services, Security Service, Common Foreign and Security Policy (with Mr. van den
Brook); organizational matters.
Manuel Marin, Deputy Chairman: External Relations with
Mediterranean (southern), Near and Middle East, Latin America and
Asia (except Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan).
Sir Leon Brittain Vice Chairman: External Relations with
North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, South
Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan; general trade policy; relationship with
WTO ( World Organization trade) and the OECD.
Martin Bangemann: industry, Information Technology and telecommunications.
Karel van Miert: Competition Policy.
Hans van den Broek: foreign relations with the countries of Central and
Eastern Europe (CEE) and countries of the former Soviet Union, Turkey,
Cyprus, Malta and others European countries; common foreign and security policy (together with Mr. Santer), foreign missions of the European Commission.
João de Deus Piñero: Foreign Relations with Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, South Africa; Lome Convention.
Patrick Flynn: social policy and employment issues; connection with
Economic and Social Committee.
Marcelino Orieja: relations with the European Parliament; liaising with Member States on issues of publicity, communication and information; culture and audiovisuals; Official Publications Service.
Edith Cresson: Science, Research and Development; Center for Joint Research; human resources, education, vocational training and youth.
Ritt Bjerregaard: environmental protection and the problem of nuclear safety.
Monika Wolf-Mathis: regional politics; relations with the Committee of the Regions; management of the Cohesion Fund (together with Mr. Kinnock and Ms.
Bierregaard).
Neil Kinnock: transport (including trans-European rail networks).
Mario Monti: domestic market, financial services; customs policy and indirect taxation, direct taxation.
Emma Bonino: Consumption Policy; Control humanitarian aid European Union; fishing.
Yves-Thibault de Silgy: economic and financial questions; monetary policy issues (together with Mr. Santer); loans and investments; statistics department.
Christos Papoucis: energy and nuclear supply agency for Euratom member states; small and medium enterprises; tourism.
Anita Gradin: issues of immigration, internal affairs and justice; relationship with the ombudsman; financial control; fight against fraud and financial abuse.
Franz Fischler: agriculture and rural development.
Erkki Liikanen: budget, staffing and administration; translation and informatics service.
Role of the Representative Office
Representations of the European Commission work in 128 countries of the world and with 5 international organizations (such as the UN, WTO, OECD, etc.)
They are accredited as diplomatic missions representing the European
The Commission is the executive body of the European Union.
Thus, the main task of the Delegation of the European Commission in
Russia - to represent the European Commission in the Russian Federation.
The Representation monitors and analyzes the course of Russian politics and monitors bilateral relations in the political, economic, trade and financial fields, as well as in the field of technical cooperation. At the same time, the Delegation is negotiating on behalf of the EU in accordance with the approved powers.
This applies mainly to the common trade policy of the EU, as well as policies in the field of agriculture, fisheries, environmental protection, transport, energy, science and technology. Some work is being done in areas such as justice and home affairs, in which
The European Commission does not have exclusive powers.
The Delegation plays an increasing role in the implementation of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), regularly representing
European Commission analysis of political and foreign policy developments, as well as conducting their assessment together with the embassies of EU member states.
Representation contributes to the policy-making process
EU.
By monitoring and analyzing what is happening in Russia, the Delegation follows the political line of the EU in all sectors.
Since February 1, 2002, the Delegation has been responsible for the management of EU technical cooperation programmes, including operational management, contracting and financial matters (Tacis programme,
European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights).
The Representation provides project and program management through the decentralization mechanism as part of the ongoing reform of the management of foreign aid programs. Recently, an office was opened in St. Petersburg
Representation, which contributes to the preparation and implementation of cooperation projects in the north-west of Russia.
The Delegation of the European Commission also provides assistance to other EU institutions, including the EU High Representative for the CFSP/General
Secretary of the Council of the EU, the European Parliament and other bodies of the European
Unions that can count on organizational and technical support
Representations. The representation works in close cooperation with the embassy of the EU presidency, which is replaced every six months. It participates in the demarches of the EU Troika and in other ways assists the presiding country.
In all these areas, the Representative Office performs an important informational function, providing the Government of the Russian Federation, federal and regional authorities, the media, business and academic circles, as well as civil society with general information and last news about the process of European integration, EU policy, as well as the program of technical cooperation with Russia.
All officials Representative offices are employees of the General
Directorate for External Relations of the European Commission and, as a rule, work in Moscow for four years.
European Union today
The EU has 15 member states with a total population of 370 million (including 17 million in the former Eastern
Germany). It is the largest trading bloc in the world.
On January 1, 1993, the Single European Market officially began to function, eliminating almost all barriers to free movement within the Community of people, goods, services and capital. With the entry into force of the Maastricht Treaty on the European Union on November 1, 1993, the Community took an irreversible step towards the creation of an economic and monetary union (EMU), as well as the introduction of a single currency, on the one hand, and the achievement of a political union, on the other. Under the Maastricht Treaty, citizens of the Member States also receive the right to European citizenship.
The fulfillment of the goals contained in the Treaties (achieving the four freedoms, i.e. the freedom of movement of people, goods, capital and services, the creation and implementation of a common policy in an increasing number of areas), leads to the gradual transfer of part of the sovereignty of the member states to European institutions.
The Union achieves its goals mainly through the implementation of common policies (agriculture, fisheries, transport, environment, foreign trade, development, competition and regional policy, energy, Customs Union), as well as common projects and programs (research and development, telecommunications, coordination of economic policies of member states for the purpose of economic and social cohesion, social policy, economic and monetary union).
The EU is characterized by a diversity of cultural differences and respect for them. Every official document must be translated into nine official languages; the development of languages and cultures of small peoples is encouraged.
Bibliography:
-“The European Union is your neighbor” Brussels-Luxembourg. 1995
Borko Yu.A. "Treaties establishing the European Communities". - Moscow.
Borko Yu.A. “Single European Act. EU Treaty. - Moscow. 1994
Arach Label "European Union: a vision of political unification". -
Moscow. 1998
Toporin B.N. "European Communities: law and institutions" -
Moscow. 1992
Ivanov I. "EU Enlargement: Scenario, Problems, Consequences"
MEMO No. 9 M. 1998
Kuranov A. "Beginners hurry to the European Union" New time. Application
Pozdnyakov E. Ganzha S. "New countries on the threshold of the European Union"
MNIMO M. 3 1999
http://www.ced.bsu.by/eu/eu_ec.asp
Tutoring
Need help learning a topic?
Our experts will advise or provide tutoring services on topics of interest to you.
Submit an application indicating the topic right now to find out about the possibility of obtaining a consultation.
Section 1. Functions of the European Commission.
Section 2 Composition European Commission.
Section 3. Berlaymont.
European Commission - this is supreme body executive branch of the European Union. Responsible for the implementation of the decisions of the union, monitors the observance of its laws in the member countries and, if required, initiates in court European Union lawsuit against member countries for violation of membership obligations.
The European Commission (EC) is leading institution of the European Communities and euro union.
It consists of 27 commissioners who are appointed by a single agreement of the governments of the member countries for a five-year term. The Commission must be represented by at least one representative from each member country. Members of the Commission in their work do not represent a member country, but exclusively the Union. All proposals to the European Union must go through the Commission. Representatives of the Commission have the right to participate in the discussion suggestions in all competent bodies of the European Union.
The European Commission is appointed for a term of five years. In accordance with the Lisbon Treaty, the list of its members is drawn up by the European Council in consultation with elected Chairman Commission and is submitted by the whole composition, including the Chairman and the High Representative union according to OPVB. After approval latest composition The Commission must be approved by a qualified majority of the European Council.
Each Commissioner is responsible for a specific direction and performs his duties with the assistance of the Administration, consisting of General Directorates and specialized departments, whose employees are mainly in Brussels and Luxembourg.
At first, the European Commission consisted of two representatives of the states of the European Union with a large population and one representative from the rest states. However, Nice limited the number of its members to one from each participating state. At the same time, in its work they represent not a country, but exclusively the European Union.
The current membership of the European Commission will be maintained until 1 November 2014, after which it will consist of a number of representatives corresponding to 2/3 of the number of member states of the European Union, unless the European Council unanimously decides otherwise. Commissioners will be appointed on the basis of the principle of rotation between member states.
Functions of the European Commission
The task of the European Commission is to coordinate work executive authorities all countries European Union, development of recommendations for the activities of the European Parliament, introduction of legislative initiatives in order to bring the national legislation of the European Union member states into line with European standards, monitoring compliance by all 27 countries with common European standards, as well as human rights and freedoms, conducting systematic consultations with all national governments to develop a unified economic (industrial, agricultural, fiscal, social, customs, currency, monetary, etc.), military, foreign, cultural policy.
The European Commission primarily contacts the ministers for EU affairs in each of the governments of the 27 member states. The day-to-day administration of the European Union is carried out within the framework of comitology (from comitology). Comitology is a system of numerous committees created by the Council of Ministers of the European Commission, which monitors the implementation of the adopted legislative decisions of the European Union.
All decisions of the European Commission are exclusively advisory in nature, all contentious issues are settled at the level of national governments. In addition, the European Commission performs the diplomatic functions of the European Union abroad, having a network of representative offices (including in Moscow).
The Commission has derivative legislative powers. The President of the European Commission also participates in the G8 meetings, as it includes some member countries of the European Union.
If the European Council and the Council are called upon, in the implementation of the tasks and goals of European integration, to guard the accounting and harmonization national interests, then the European Commission, as well as European Parliament, and the Court of Justice of the European Union, are called upon to reflect and protect the interests of European integration from any encroachment on the jurisdiction and powers of the European Union and union by the Member States. This, in particular, is also evidenced by the founding treaties, according to which the Commission acts as the guardian of European legality, seeking the steady implementation of the provisions of both primary and secondary law.
Describing the legal status of the Commission, it is often compared with the government in sovereign states. This statement is only partly true. Indeed, the Commission plays a decisive role in the administration of the affairs of the Communities and, to a certain extent, of the union. An extensive administrative apparatus operates under her supervision. The Commission has its own administrative power. She is the manager of loans under the budget. The Commission plays a very important role in the implementation of the legislative process. All this, of course, brings the Commission closer to such an institution as the government in sovereign states. At the same time, neither in terms of the method of formation, nor in the nature of the exercise of its powers, the Commission is an analogue of the national government. This is also emphasized by the fact that nowhere in official documents is the Commission referred to as the bearer of the executive authorities and its enforcement powers are exercised primarily through delegation by the Council.
The procedure for the formation of the Commission has undergone significant changes with the creation of the European Union. The appointment of the Chairman and members of the Commission is carried out by the Member States of the European Union. The assertion sometimes made that the appointment is made by the Council is incorrect. Of course, organizational structures of the Council can be used in deciding this issue, but, nevertheless, it is not the Council that formally makes the decision. The appointment is based on agreements between Member States and only if a consensus is reached. Nominations for seats on the Commission are proposed by Member States. In total, as of the end of 1999, the Commission included 20 members. Five states - Germany, Italy and - had two seats each, and the remaining 10 - one seat each. The named number of members of the Commission includes its Chairman. In accordance with the Treaty on the European Union, the formation of the entire composition of the Commission must be preceded by the achievement agreements on the nomination of the Chairman of the Commission. Practice confirms that even the objection of one of the member states of the union against the nominated candidate excludes the possibility of appointment (this was the case, for example, in 1994 with respect to the candidacy of the Belgian Prime Minister Dean). The nominated candidate is submitted for approval. European Parliament. The candidate approved by the Parliament, together with the governments of the Member States, participates in the selection of candidates proposed for appointment as members of the Commission. Candidates nominated in this way, together with the President, already as a collegiate body, are presented to the Parliament, which must make its judgment. If approved by the representative body, the governments of the Member States, with their common consent, make the official appointment of the Commission, and it begins to fulfill its duties.
The current Commission was formed in July 1999 and its membership was approved in September. The Commission was headed by the former head of the Italian government Romano Prodi.
European Commission (European Commission) is
The Chairman and members of the Commission must meet a number of requirements. First of all, they must all be EU citizens. Each member state of the union must be represented by at least one and no more than two of its citizens. These latter must have high professional qualifications, practical experience and exercise their functions exclusively in the interests of the Communities and the union. For this purpose, when selecting candidates for the Commission Special attention is attached to the independence of these candidates, who cannot and should not take instructions from their government or act in accordance with the instructions of their government. Of course, in practice, such absolute and complete independence of the members of the Commission is unattainable, especially since the possibility of a new appointment after deadline authority depends primarily on the national government. Nevertheless, in all their activities, members of the Commission are obliged to be guided by the interests of integration associations of enterprises and ensure the achievement of the goals and objectives that are formulated in the founding agreements. Members of the Commission, or, as they are often called, commissioners, must refrain from committing any acts or actions contrary to the nature of their duties. The Internal Rules of the Commission place particular emphasis on respectable and modest behavior and confirm the incompatibility of this post with other paid or even unpaid posts. Honesty and integrity are imputed to the members of the Commission not only in period official performance of their official duties, but also on resignation. Violation of these obligations, ascertained by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which may be addressed by the Council or the Commission, may entail the forced resignation of a member of the Commission or deprivation of his right to a pension or other benefits and privileges associated with the exercise of this office ( we are talking, in particular, about some kind of judicial immunity).
The confirmation of high professionalism most often in practice is the previous career of the appointed member of the Commission. As a general rule, seats in the Commission are occupied by former heads national governments and former ministers with considerable experience in political leadership and administration. Alas, of course, not always the relevant experience is a guarantee of proper qualifications or compliance with the rules of good governance. The political one, which broke out in March 1999 and was associated with a whole series of scandalous revelations of the activities of individual members of the Commission, which ultimately led to its collective resignation, showed that the relevant obligations are not fulfilled by all members of the Commission in full accordance with the requirements of the constituent acts. Suffice it to recall that, for example, Edith Cresson, the Commissioner responsible for human resources and the former Prime Minister of France, was accused of financial abuse (which, however, was not officially confirmed) and unjustified favoritism (her personal dentist was was appointed adviser to the commissioner, although he had no experience in the field of human resources management, neither by his qualifications nor by the nature of his activity, but he regularly received more than high wages from the treasury of the European Communities.)
The Commission and its members are appointed for a period of 5 years. An early vacancy is filled in the same manner as the appointment of members of the Commission during its formation. A newly appointed member of the Commission shall remain in office until the expiration of the general term of office of that composition of the EC. A vacancy may occur in the event of illness or death of a member of the Commission, upon voluntary resignation and resignation, as well as as a result of forced resignation. The decision on compulsory resignation, related to the breach of duties of a member of the Commission, is taken by the Court of Justice of the European Union, acting under offer Council or Commission. Each member of the Commission heads a certain area of activity and manages the work of the relevant administrative services. A member of the Commission has his own apparatus, which forms his cabinet, the members of which are selected and appointed personally by the commissioner himself at his discretion. However, such appointments should not contradict either the criteria of professional qualification or the requirements of morality.
A retiring member of the Commission may be reappointed. There are many examples of this in the history of the European Union. There are also known cases when the former Chairman became a member of the Commission upon completion of his term. Continuity of composition is a normal rule for the functioning of the Commission. However, after the 1999 crisis, only four of the former members of the European Commission were reappointed.
One of the important provisions of the founding treaties, which determine the status of the Commission and bring it closer to the status of national governments, is to establish the institution of parliamentary responsibility of the Commission. The decision to deny confidence in the Commission is taken by the European Parliament on the initiative of its deputies. The draft resolution of reprimand submitted to the Bureau of Parliament must be put to the vote not earlier than 3 days after its submission. A similar period, which is, however, very common in all democratic states, is usually provided for the necessary consultations by the interested parties, as well as for discussion, if it is provided for by the Internal Regulations, in commissions and committees of Parliament.
European Commission (European Commission) is
When voting, a particularly complicated procedure is used. In order for a decision to censure the Commission to be adopted, it is necessary that at least 2/3 of all those participating in the vote vote for it, provided that the majority of the list of deputies is present at the meeting of the Parliament. First real threat application of this procedure arose in 1999 in connection with allegations made against a number of members of the Commission of maladministration and financial abuse. Specifically, such an accusation was made against individual members, and not the Commission as a whole. However, the political responsibility of the Commission is joint and several in nature, and accordingly, the only question that can be put to a vote is to deny the confidence of the entire Commission as a whole. True, in March 1999, the matter did not come to an official vote in Parliament. The support of the draft resolution of reprimand by the leading parliamentary committees led the Commission to decide on a collective resignation, without waiting for the actual act of voting in Parliament.
Although formally the adoption of the resolution of reprimand did not take place, it can, however, be considered that in this case For the first time in the history of the European Communities and the Union, the direct application of the institution of parliamentary responsibility took place, which entailed the resignation and replacement of the Commission. This fact in itself can be assessed in two ways. On the one hand, it testifies that far from all is well in the functioning of one of the leading institutions of the Communities and the union and in the management of their affairs. It is no coincidence that in the course of the discussion that took place, attention was paid, in particular, to the fact that the Commission exercises insufficient control over the activities of the apparatus, over professional bureaucracy, whose actions are not always properly directed and controlled by the commissars. On the other hand, the event that has taken place is regarded as a certain step towards the democratization of the Community and the Union, which has found expression in the growing role of the Parliament and its control over the activities of the Commission. To some extent, it should make up for that "power of the people", which critics of the European bureaucracy write and talk about very persistently, drawing attention to the excessive bureaucratization of the apparatus of the Communities and the union, the lack of proper control and insufficient activity of the representative body in this area. Such strengthening of parliamentary control over the activities of the Commission, along with the use of other forms of control over the activities of the Commission and its apparatus, for example, financial or by the ombudsman, seems to be especially important and necessary, since it is the Commission that exercises the most important and significant powers in managing the affairs of the Communities, and The creation of the European Union has led to the fact that the Commission is increasingly involved in the exercise of certain powers within the second and third pillars of the union.
Article 155 (n.n. Art. 211) of the European Union concession identifies four main powers of the European Commission. First, it ensures the implementation of the founding treaties, as well as others adopted by the institutions of the European Union in pursuance and application of the latter. Secondly, it makes recommendations and gives an opinion on all issues that are the subject of constituent agreements. Thirdly, the Commission has its own administrative power, and equally participates in decision-making by other institutions, primarily the Council and Parliament. Fourthly, the Commission ensures the execution of decisions adopted by the Council within its competence, the execution of which is entrusted to the Commission.
Where the Commission is called upon to ensure the implementation of the founding treaties, legal acts (NLA) and other decisions taken on their basis, it performs an almost dual function. On the one hand, the Commission organizes and directs the activities of the European Communities in all its activities within the framework of the founding treaties and in pursuance of their prescriptions. Under its direct supervision is an extensive administrative apparatus, including almost 16.5 thousand professional officials who are on the staff of the European Public Service. She is in charge of the material resources of the Communities and the union, is the manager loans according to the budget, and, consequently, has all the necessary material resources that are used to achieve the goals and solve the problems facing the Communities and the Union. On the other hand, the Commission performs an equally important function of monitoring the observance of obligations under the constituent agreements and the implementation of secondary law prescriptions by member states. In this regard, the Commission is endowed with an extremely important power to draw attention and point out to Member States the failure to fulfill or insufficiently fulfill their obligations established by the founding treaties or secondary law.
In practice, however, the issuance of a reasoned opinion containing such remarks is preceded by informal consultations, allowing the parties concerned to reach an agreement on the disputed issue without resorting to formalized procedures. If no agreement is reached, the Commission may file a claim for default with the European Court of Justice. At the same time, in her statement of claim, she can ask for the imposition of penalties. The decision of the Court is subject to mandatory execution.
Andris Piebalgs (Latvia) – energy
This is the highest collegial executive body of the European Union, the commission of which consists of 28 members of the participating countries, who are also called commissioners.
The Commission is chaired by the President, who is currently former Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker.
What does the European Commission do?
The Commission proposes new laws and, in addition, it monitors the implementation of various legal acts and, if violations are detected, can apply various sanctions. The body also oversees the EU budget, the management of funds and the creation of a network of representations outside the EU to carry out diplomatic functions. The Commission also plays an important role in the issue of trade relations. An example of this is the negotiations on the creation of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which implies a free trade agreement between the European Union and the United States.
The European Commission can take independent decisions in the areas of agriculture, transport, the work of the internal market, competition and environmental protection.
What role does the Commission play in the structures of the European Union?
As stated above: the European Commission has the exclusive right legislative initiative. Only she can officially submit bills to the European Parliament. However, the Commission is unable to approve new laws. According to the standard procedure, the Commission makes a proposal, which must be accepted by the European Parliament and the Council. The main direction of the proposed projects should be in defense of the interests of the Unions and its citizens, and not of individual countries or industries.
It must also be remembered that the Council of the European Union is not at all the same as the European Council. The European Council is an association of heads of government or state of all EU countries and the President of the European Commission. This is the body of power that determines the main policy of the EU, during the summits. While the Council is an institution that consists of government ministers from all EU countries. It is the Council that regularly meets to make decisions and approve bills.
How many employees work in the European Commission?
The European Commission is the body in which it works more officials than in other European institutions.
Brussels has prepared a “document showing the distribution of its employees”: http: //ec.europa.eu/civil_service/docs/hr_key_figures_2016.pdf. Data from 2016 show that 32,966 people work for the European Commission.
The main part of the activities of the European Commission is carried out in Brussels. About a third of all employees of the body are also located here. This also explains the fact that the most represented nation among them is the Belgians. They make up about a sixth of the staff. Almost 10%, namely 3121 people, of the total number of employees work in the department international cooperation and development is.
What is the main criticism? H3>
The European Commission is often criticized for being too liberal and at the same time for a “democratic deficit”. The latter is argued by the fact that the members of the Commission are not elected, but proposed by the government of his country. The chairman should also be appointed by the heads of state, not by the people (although after the European elections in 2014, the election results should reflect the result of international polls).
The European Commission is also criticized for a large number of directives. This fragmented system of DGs often leads to delays in decision-making processes and also indicates that DGs in some cases have extreme influence over commissioners.
