Unit 2. European Commission

Step 3. Structure and leadership in the EC

The structure of the Commission follows the classic hierarchical pattern of government bureaucracies. The top of the hierarchy is occupied by the College of Commissioners who ultimately shape EU common policies, take political decisions and are politically accountable to the European Parliament. The College is headed by the President of the European Commission who is responsible for setting strategic goals for the Commission and coordination of all its activities. For this reason, the President gives an annual speech in the European Parliament called “The State of the Union” where she/he informs the public about the Commission’s agenda for the upcoming year.

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