The European Commission

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 role in the European Union (EU) policy process. The final section of the chapter then considers the Commission'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 work.