European Commission

European Commission Established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957, the European Commission's principal role has been that of the ‘guardian of the founding treaties’ of the EU. A unique, supranational body whose seat is in Brussels, its composition has changed with each wave of enlargement. Before the Eastern Enlargement projected for 2004/5, its was composed of twenty commissioners from the fifteen member states of the EU. It heads the civil service of the European Union, which was composed of about 17,000 employees in 2000, and which deals with issues ranging from regional policy, agriculture, culture, energy, employment, environment, enlargement, and foreign affairs. As such, the Commission has obtained a unique position within the European Union, as the only body with detailed information on all areas within its purview across all member states. Moreover, it was responsible for over 150 diplomatic missions of the EU throughout the world. The Commission's power has been further enhanced by its executive functions. Throughout its history it has jealously guarded its sole power of initiative, so that it alone can initiate European legislation to come before the European Council and the European Parliament. Moreover, by passing directives, regulations, and decisions to implement legislation, it has gained enormous practical influence upon the economics, society, and environment of the EU member states. Beyond its regular powers, the Commission's influence as a driving force of European integration has been largely contingent upon the political adeptness of its members, especially its President. Its most influential period was under the Presidency of Jacques Delors, 1985–95.

http://www.europa.eu.int

Table 7. Presidents of the European Commission

Walter Hallstein	1958–67
Jean Rey	1967–70
Franco Malfatti	1970–72
Sicco Mansholt	1972–73
François-Xavier Ortoli	1973–77
Roy Jenkins	1977–81
Gaston Thorn	1981–85
Jacques Delors	1985–95
Jacques Santer	1995–99
Romano Prodi	1999–