President of the European Commission
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| President of the European Commission | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Post | President of the European Commission |
| Body | European Commission |
| Incumbent | Ursula von der Leyen |
| Incumbentsince | 1 December 2019 |
| Appointer | European Council |
| Style | Madam President |
| Formation | 1958 |
| Inaugural | Walter Hallstein |
President of the European Commission The President of the European Commission is the head of the European Commission, the institution responsible for proposing European Union legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the day-to-day business of the Union. The office interfaces with the European Council, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and national leaders such as heads of state and government from member states including France, Germany, Italy, and Poland. The President oversees Commissioners drawn from member states and represents the Commission in international forums such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the G7, and the G20.
Role and Responsibilities
The President sets the political direction and priorities of the European Commission and proposes the composition of the College of Commissioners in coordination with the European Parliament and the European Council. Responsibilities include steering policy agendas on issues such as the Treaty of Lisbon, the Single Market, the Schengen Area, the Eurozone, and initiatives like the Green Deal, the Digital Services Act, and the NextGenerationEU recovery plan. The President represents the Commission in external relations with third countries such as the United States, China, Russia, and institutions like the European Central Bank and the World Bank.
Selection and Appointment
The President is proposed by the European Council and elected by a majority of the European Parliament. The procedure involves consultations with political groups such as the European People's Party, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, the Renew Europe Group, and the European Conservatives and Reformists Party. Nomination processes have referenced lead candidates or Spitzenkandidaten during elections involving figures from parties like the Social Democratic Party of Germany, France's La République En Marche!, and the Christian Democratic Union of Germany. Appointment follows treaties including the Treaty on European Union and precedents set by figures such as Jacques Delors, José Manuel Barroso, Jean-Claude Juncker, and Ursula von der Leyen.
Powers and Functions
The President allocates portfolios among Commissioners and can reshuffle or request resignations, as seen in high-profile cases involving Commissioners linked to controversies such as those before the European Parliament hearings. Powers include initiating legislative proposals under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, guiding implementation of regulations and directives across member states such as Spain, Greece, Hungary, and Romania, and coordinating responses to crises like the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the Eurozone crisis. The President chairs College meetings, represents the Commission in inter-institutional negotiations like the trilogue process with the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, and signs international agreements, coordinating with entities such as the European External Action Service.
Historical Officeholders and Evolution
Since formation in 1958 with inaugural President Walter Hallstein, the office has evolved through holders including Jean Rey, Franco Maria Malfatti, Jacques Delors, Romano Prodi, Manuel Barroso, José Manuel Barroso, Jean-Claude Juncker, and Ursula von der Leyen. The role expanded significantly under the Single European Act and the Maastricht Treaty, which increased supranational competences and institutional integration. Subsequent treaties, debates around accession of countries such as Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania, and crises like the Greek government-debt crisis shaped expectations of presidential leadership, moving from technocratic management to high-profile political representation comparable to heads of government in forums like the G20 Summit.
Relationship with EU Institutions
The President maintains formal links with the European Parliament through confirmation hearings and periodic appearances, with the European Council in nomination and strategic coordination with presidents such as Herman Van Rompuy, Donald Tusk, and Charles Michel, and with the European Central Bank on monetary policy issues involving presidents like Mario Draghi and Christine Lagarde. The President also coordinates with the European Court of Justice on legal compliance and with agencies such as the European Medicines Agency and the European Environment Agency when implementing Commission policies. Relations extend to national executives in member states and to regional bodies including the Committee of the Regions.
Political Significance and Controversies
The presidency is politically significant: candidates have been associated with pan-European parties like the European People's Party and controversies have arisen over democratic legitimacy, Spitzenkandidat practices, and appointments linked to scandals or perceived conflicts of interest. Notable disputes involved confirmations and parliamentary scrutiny that referenced European leaders such as Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron, Boris Johnson, and Viktor Orbán. Debates have centered on the balance of power among the European Council, the European Parliament, and member states following events like the Brexit referendum and enlargement rounds. Controversies have also touched on transparency, ethics investigations, and the conduct of Commissioners before bodies including the European Anti-Fraud Office and the European Ombudsman.