The Commission is like the government of the European Union. It brings together 27 Commissioners, one per country, to defend the common interest of Europeans.

A-Z: C for Commission

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To function, the EU relies on several   organisations, which we call institutions.

The EU Council of Ministers   represents the countries,

the Parliament represents   the citizens - you and me -

and the Commission represents   the common interests of the Union.

The Commission is based   in Brussels, Belgium.

It's like the government   of the European Union.

Each Commissioner is responsible   for one or more subjects for five years.

Commissioners have to be accepted   by all Member States.

Then they have to appear in a hearing   in front of MEPs.

When the Parliament gives its approval,   the Commission can start work.

Its job is to defend   the common interest of Europeans.

The Commission   is the guardian of EU Treaties.

It makes sure that countries   respect the agreements they sign.

It checks that European laws   are applied properly.

If they aren't,   it can go to the Court of Justice

to force countries   to implement the common regulations.

but the Council and the Parliament   make the decisions.

It takes part in meetings of ministers from   the Member States, it meets with MEPs,

The Commission has a certain power,   to implement common policies

in many areas,   such as agriculture, research,

It also manages   the European Union's spending.

The Commission is independent   of state governments

and its members don't defend   national interests.

So the Commission   often opposes the Council

Independent but not entirely free,   the Commission is responsible to the EP.

It can be forced to resign   if censured by MEPs.

That's the Commission.   For more on the other institutions,

look at A-Z -   C for Council and P for Parliament.