European Commission

Question 1

Weakest…(2)

Answer 1

Separation of powers

Civil service of EU

Question 2

Composition (3) plus article

Answer 2

Art 17(4) TEU
One national of each MS
And it’s presidents
High representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy

Question 3

Composition problems with composition

Answer 3

Should have expired and been replaced with new composition set out in art 17(5) TEU
But agreement with between council and Ireland to keep composition

Question 4

Composition agreement to keep current composition implemented by council directive

Answer 4

2013/272/EU

Due for review in 2019

Question 5

Composition suggestions for commissioners made by (1) plus article

Answer 5

Art 17(3) TEU 
made by MS

Question 6

Composition how are commissioners accepted? (1) plus article

Answer 6

Art 17(7) TEU 
Council and president adopt a list of proposed commissioners which parliament vote to accept/ refuse

Question 7

Composition current UK commissioner

Answer 7

Sir Julian King

Question 8

Composition president indirectly elected (3) plus article

Answer 8

Art 17(7) TEU
EC propose candidate to EP
EP votes to accept / reject
If rejected, EC has one month to suggest a new one

Question 9

Composition current president

Answer 9

Jean-Claude Juncker since 2014

Question 10

Role commission promotes (4) plus article

Answer 10

Art 17(1) TEU
General interests of the union 
Represents EU as a whole
Contrast Council (represents MS) and parliament (represents citizens) 
Made up of various directorates-general, similar to government departments

Question 11

Role Administrative/ executive functions (3)

Answer 11

Manages EU budget
Negotiates trade and cooperation agreements with countries/ organisations outside the EU
Represents EU at the UN and WTO

Question 12

Role legislative functions (3b) plus article

Answer 12

Art 17(2) TEU
Union legislative Acts may only be adopted on basis of a Commission proposal, unless Treaties provide otherwise
Initiates draft legislation
Annual programme of legislation;
A) outlines legislative plans
B) helps in planning strategy for EU as a whole

Question 13

Role judicial functions (2) plus article

Answer 13

Art 258 TEU
Enforcement actions for breach of EU law brought by commission against offending MS
Investigator and judge of breaches in competition and state aid cases