The European Commission (EC) is the executive body of the European Union (EU) and represents the interests of Europe as a whole (as opposed to the specific interests of each country).
The Commission's main roles are to:
- set objectives and priorities;
- propose legislation to the European Parliament (EP) and to the Council;
- manage and implement EU policies and the budget;
- enforce European law (where necessary with the help of the EU Court of Justice);
- represent the Union outside Europe (negotiating trade agreements between the EU and other countries).
The President and members of the EC are appointed by qualified majority of the Council, following approval by the European Parliament.
Further information:
- European Commission http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm
