The College of Commissioners

SUMMARY OF:

European Council Decision 2013/272/EU concerning the number of members of the European Commission

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION?

It sets the number of members of the European Commission, and ensures that the Commission includes one national of each European Union (EU) Member State.

Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) sets out the competences of the Commission.

KEY POINTS

At the beginning of the process, the European Council proposes a candidate for Commission President to the European Parliament. The President is then elected by a majority of the Members of the European Parliament.

For the first time, in 2014, the EU leaders had to take account of the results of the European Parliament elections in May of that year when making their choice for Commission President. In practical terms, this meant that the candidate had to gain the support of a majority in the Parliament when the Members of the European Parliament voted on the President-designate that July. The President-designate of the Commission presents to the Parliament the political guidelines for their term of office to enable an informed exchange of views before the election vote.

Composition of the College of Commissioners

Once elected, the Commission President contacts Member States’ government leaders to help compose the College of Commissioners. Members of the College (Commissioners) are chosen for their general competence and commitment to the EU. Following consultations between the President and government leaders, the Council of the European Union, with the agreement of the President-elect, adopts a list of the people proposed for appointment as members of the Commission. Their independence must be beyond doubt. The President decides on the internal organisation of the Commission and distributes the different policy portfolios, such as energy, environment and trade, among the new team – a process that requires great political skill in reconciling competing demands and expectations.

Role of the European Parliament

Once the identities and responsibilities of the candidate Commissioners are known, each of them goes before a parliamentary committee corresponding to their portfolio for a public hearing. There, they are questioned at length about their suitability for the post and knowledge of their subject. This is no mere formality. In the past, Commissioners-designate have been forced to stand down when they have failed to win a committee’s approval. The Parliament as a whole then votes on the new Commission team, which, once approved, is appointed by the European Council. The new College usually takes up office on 1 November.

The Commission, as a body, is responsible to the European Parliament. The Parliament is the sole EU institution that can dismiss the Commission during its 5-year mandate through a motion of censure.

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

According to Article 18 TEU, a Commission Vice-President is appointed as the High Representative. The incumbent is chosen by EU leaders with the agreement of the Commission President. The holder of the office not only sits in the Commission, but also chairs meetings of foreign affairs ministers and is responsible for the European External Action Service. The High Representative also conducts the EU’s common foreign and security policy and the common security and defence policy.

Number of Commissioners

According to Article 17(5) TEU, as of November 2014, the number of Commissioners was to correspond to two thirds of the number of Member States, unless the EU leaders were to decide to alter this number. In May 2013, however, the European Council decided that the number would continue to be equal to the number of Member States.

FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY?

The decision has applied since 1 November 2014.

BACKGROUND

The current College of Commissioners, presided over by Ursula von der Leyen, took office in December 2019 for the 2019–2024 period.

For further information, see:

The Commissioners (European Commission)
European Commission (European Union).

MAIN DOCUMENT

European Council Decision 2013/272/EU of 22 May 2013 concerning the number of members of the European Commission (OJ L 165, 18.6.2013, p. 98).