= European Commission = The '''European Commission''' is a component of the EU executive branch. <> ---- == Composition == The European Commission is headed by a '''president'''. The president is nominated by the [[WorldHistory/EuropeanUnion/EuropeanCouncil|European Council]] and then elected by the [[WorldHistory/EuropeanUnion/EuropeanParliament|European Parliament]]. The Commission consists of 27 '''commissioners''' that are nominated by the [[WorldHistory/EuropeanUnion/CouncilOfTheEuropeanUnion|Council of the European Union]] and then approved by the European Parliament. Under the Commission is a bureaucracy organized into '''Directorate-Generals'''. Some of the commissioners hold elevated positions: * '''Vice Presidents''' oversee policy areas that involve multiple commissioners * the '''High Representative''' (a.k.a. '''HR/VP'''), also a Vice President automatically, coordinates defense and foriegn affairs policy * '''Executive Vice Presidents''' additionally oversee a Directorate-General ---- == History == ---- == Powers == The president sits on the [[WorldHistory/EuropeanUnion/EuropeanCouncil|European Council]] as a non-voting member. The HR/VP presides over the [[WorldHistory/EuropeanUnion/CouncilOfTheEuropeanUnion|Council of the European Union]] when it discusses foreign policy. Each commissioner is assigned a portfolio by the president, with each post having variable powers and responsibilities. ---- CategoryRicottone