EU Executive Branch and European Council

The Executive Branch in the EU

• The executive branch in the EU consists of both a political and administrative part.
• The political part is responsible for taking responsibility, action, and initiative, determining the direction of the body politic, and dealing with crises.
• The administrative part is responsible for executing the laws and day-to-day management of the public domain.

The European Council

• The European Council is an institution of the EU, composed of heads of state or government.
• Members of the European Council have a dual role, both nationally and at the EU level.
• National elections determine European Council membership, which has political and constitutional consequences at the national level.
• The European Council was created in 1974 to provide a centre of political authority, give political direction, and take decisions on matters that could not be solved at a lower level.
• The European Council plays a key role in enlargement, international relations, treaty amendments, and major new initiatives.
• The European Council's factual role is more significant than described in the Treaties, similar to national constitutions.
• The European Council has become more visible and prominent in recent years, with increased meetings and politically sensitive matters.

The Permanent President of the European Council

• The permanent President of the European Council was established by the Lisbon Treaty.
• The President is elected by the members for a 2.5-year term, renewable once.
• The President sets the agenda, chairs meetings, and provides external representation of the European Council.
• The President also facilitates internal cohesion and presents a report to the European Parliament after each meeting.

Decision-making in the European Council

• The European Council meets at least twice every six months, with the option to convene more frequently.
• Conclusions are adopted after each meeting, reflecting the main agenda points, political decisions, and priorities set.
• Decisions are typically taken by consensus, although some legally binding decisions can be made based on specific Treaty provisions.
• The President of the European Council and the President of the Commission do not participate in voting for certain decisions.

The European Commission

• The European Commission represents the general interest of the Union and ensures the application of EU law.
• The Commission is an independent body, consisting of commissioners and a president.
• Each commissioner has a portfolio with a corresponding Directorate-General.
• The Commission has the right of initiative, proposing Union legislative acts, and is responsible for external representation, budgetary and management functions, and other coordinating functions.

The European Commission's Tasks and Responsibilities

• The Commission promotes the general interest of the Union and ensures the application of EU law.
• The Commission has the right of initiative, proposing Union legislative acts, except where the Treaties provide otherwise.
• The Commission's right of initiative is often influenced by the European Council's conclusions.
• The Commission plays a key role in managing EU funds, external representation, and coordinating functions.

The EU and Corona

• The European Commission initiated a coordinated approach to purchase vaccines.
• The European Council reached a political agreement on a recovery plan for Europe, branded as NextGenerationEU.
• The plan includes 750 billion in loans and grants, with conditions attached, including Rule of Law.
• The Commission plays a crucial role in monitoring the Rule of Law conditions and managing the NextGenerationEU funds.