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About the European Commission

Role of the European Commission

How it proposes new laws and implement them

How the European Commission is organised

Political leadership

A College of 27 Commissioners, led by the Commission President, steers the Commission's work. The Commissioners work on specific policy priorities that are set out by the Commission President.

Read our visual story: How EU leaders are elected and appointed

Departments and executive agencies

The Commission is organised into:

  • Policy departments, known as Directorates-General, responsible for different policy areas. They develop, implement and manage EU policy, law, and funding programmes
  • Service departments dealing with particular administrative issues
  • Executive agencies managing programmes set up by the Commission

List of departments and executive agencies

Commission offices

The European Commission is present in each Member State with at least one representation office in charge of communication and information at local level.

Offices outside the EU, known as EU Delegations, are managed by the European External Action Service. They help promote EU interests and policies as well as undertake a variety of outreach programmes.

Service standards and principles

Certain principles guide the Commission in its work: transparency, ethical behaviour, equal opportunities, multilingualism, as well as digital transformation and the environmental impact. 

Consultations, transparency registers, access to documents, and beneficiaries of EU funding

Use of languages in providing information to and interacting with the public

Commission as an employer

The Commission works continuosly towards offering its staff a modern workplace and careers, and to attract and retain the best talent across all EU countries. People working at the European Commission help shape Europe’s future and need to perform at the highest level in the interest of all Europeans.

Key figures about Commission staff

Related links

Ways to engage with our work, from participating in policymaking to applying for EU funding

Do you have questions for or about the Commission? Here is our contact information

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