But do we really need 27 Commissioners?
09 September 2024
This week, Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will make the most exciting announcement of her second term so far: she'll unveil her nominee list for the College of Commissioners. That group of 27 proposes and enforces EU law and sets the priorities for the Union.
Often referred to as the "government" of the European Union, the Commission is meant to represent the interests of the entire EU. It is made up of one commissioner from each member state, a total of 27. With Ursula von der Leyen as president, the commissioners act similarly to ministers, each responsible for a specific policy area, or 'portfolio'. Thus, when it's time to vote or make decisions, each commissioner gets one vote.
However, with 27 commissioners, the structure is crowded, which can hinder efficiency. The past Commission had separate portfolios for the economy, budget, and administration, with even a portfolio called "Promoting our European Way of Life." This raises the question: do we really need so many commissioners?
 | Marta Casares Lara Having one commissioner per country ensures each member state's interests are represented. However, while "each commissioner gets one vote" might sound fair, this system prioritises safeguarding national influence instead of focusing on the collective European good. Moreover, the heavyweights (like Germany and France) usually get the significant and influential portfolios, while smaller or southern countries often receive the less prominent ones. |
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