President of the European Commission
The President of the European Commission is the head of the European Commission, which is the executive branch of the European Union. This position is crucial for setting the political agenda and direction of the EU's executive body, managing its daily operations, and representing the Commission both internally within the EU and externally on the international stage.
Role and Responsibilities
- Leadership and Representation: The President leads the Commission, representing it in high-level meetings, summits, and international negotiations. They are also the voice of the Commission in the European Parliament and other EU institutions.
- Policy Initiation: Proposing new laws and policies to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
- Administrative Management: Managing the internal administration of the Commission, including appointing Commissioners and overseeing their portfolios.
- Coordination: Ensuring the Commission works cohesively towards its goals and effectively implements EU policies and legislation.
History and Evolution
The position was established under the Treaty of Rome in 1957, initially known as the President of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community. Over time, as the EU evolved:
- The role expanded with the Single European Act in 1986, giving the President more power over the Commission's agenda.
- The Treaty of Maastricht in 1992 further enhanced the President's role by introducing the requirement for the European Parliament to approve the President.
- The Treaty of Lisbon in 2009 formalized the process of electing the President, linking the position more closely with European Parliament elections through the Spitzenkandidaten process, although this has not always been adhered to strictly.
Selection Process
The President is selected through a complex process:
- Nomination: The European Council, by qualified majority, proposes a candidate for the position.
- Endorsement: This candidate must then be elected by the European Parliament by a majority of its members.
- Spitzenkandidaten: Although not legally binding, the Spitzenkandidaten process encourages EU political parties to nominate lead candidates for the position of Commission President, theoretically linking the Commission President to the results of the European elections.
Notable Presidents
Some notable Presidents include:
- Walter Hallstein, the first President, who served from 1958 to 1967 and laid the groundwork for the Commission's institutional role.
- Jacques Delors, who served from 1985 to 1995, is often credited with driving the Single Market program and shaping the EU's modern structure.
- Ursula von der Leyen, the current President, who took office in 2019 and has focused on issues like the European Green Deal and digital transformation.
External Links
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