The European Commission (EC) is the executive branch of the European Union (EU), established in 1958 and based in Brussels, Belgium. It employs around 32,000 civil servants and is led by a College of 27 Commissioners, one from each EU Member State. The EC acts as the guardian of EU treaties, promotes the EU's general interest, and operates independently from national governments.
The EC has a structured organization divided into Directorates-General, each focusing on specific policy areas such as agriculture, competition, and environment. It holds the exclusive right to initiate new EU legislation, drafts proposals, implements decisions, and enforces EU law across Member States. The Commission also manages the EU budget, oversees funding distribution, and represents the EU in international negotiations. Its work supports cohesion among the 27 Member States and benefits EU citizens through policy enforcement and funding programs.
