The European Commission
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of what the Commission is, and what the Commission does. It frames this discussion by focusing on two themes: interdependence and politicization. The chapter has four sections. It first focuses on how the organization of the Commission is organized, introducing the key actors within the institution. Next it highlights the Commission roles as a ‘priority-setter.’ The third section unpacks the functions associated with the Commission&s;s role in the European Union (EU) policy process. The final section of the chapter then considers the Commission&s;s role as a crisis-manager. The conclusion returns to the two themes to sum up, and to emphasize the interdependent nature of much of the Commission&s;s work.
Fields of Study & Subjects
European and International Law Studies
EU Law and Policy Analysis
European Union Policy and Governance
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Routledge Handbook of European Union Politics
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Volume
- 8
- Pages
- 161–171
- Publication date
- 24 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter