The European Commission is the EU’s executive body. It has policy-initiating and decision-making powers. It manages the day-to-day business of the EU as regards the implementation of EU policies and the allocation of funds. Furthermore, together with the European Court of Justice, the Commission acts as guardian and assures that the EU legislation and treaties are respected.

The number of Commissioners has been reduced to one per member state. Before some members states had several commissioners due to their bigger population in comparison with smaller member states. The Lisbon Treaty has reversed a previous treaty provision that the number of Commissioners shall be cut by one third along with a rotation system once the number of 27 member states is reached. 

Furthermore, the Lisbon Treaty has introduced that the European Parliament has to confirm the Commissioners that have been appointed by their national governments and elects the President of the Council which is proposed by the European Council. The Commission is elected for a five years term. The President can be re-elected. The Commissioners are each responsible for one policy area and have to act in the name of the Union, not on behalf of their respective member state.

official website