Background
The European Commission serves as the main executive branch of the European Union (EU). Its primary role involves overseeing the implementation of EU policies and laws, ensuring alignment with Member States, and representing the EU globally.
Historical Context
Established in 1958, the European Commission originated within the Treaty of Rome, which paved the way for today’s European Union. It was initially part of the European Economic Community but evolved in scope and authority as the EU expanded.
Definitions and Concepts
The European Commission is often described as the “engine room” of the EU, meaning it is the body responsible for proposing new EU legislation, implementing decisions, and managing everyday business.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
This framework does not typically provide a detailed view specific to political entities like the European Commission. However, it broadly considers the necessity of institutions to minimize market failures.
Neoclassical Economics
Similar to Classical Economics, Neoclassical theories establish the need for institutions but focus on how the European Commission statistically optimizes resource allocation within the EU.
Keynesian Economics
Keynesian perspective places importance on coordinated economic policies during boom and bust cycles, a role the European Commission undertakes during economic crises.
Marxian Economics
From a Marxian viewpoint, supranational bodies like the European Commission might be analyzed as instruments of capitalist interests, designed to stabilize capitalist systems.
Institutional Economics
Institutional Economics highly concerns itself with bodies like the European Commission as these ensure the stability and function of frameworks needed for socioeconomic intercourse.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral Economics would analyze decisions and policies influenced by the European Commission, considering the cognitive biases and bounded rationality of policymakers.
Post-Keynesian Economics
This school would likely discuss the role of the European Commission in correcting market failures and ensuring economic justice through active involvement.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economists might scrutinize the efficiency and effectiveness of the European Commission on the free market and its top-down approaches to regulation.
Development Economics
The European Commission’s initiatives in fostering development partnerships with non-EU countries can be a topic under this framework.
Monetarism
Monetarist theory analyzes the Commission’s role in monetary policy, particularly with its influence on the European Central Bank.
Comparative Analysis
Comparison with other international bodies like UN, WTO, or regional equivalents like ASEAN reveals that the European Commission bears uniquely comprehensive legislative and administrative authority.
Case Studies
Brexit
The dynamics involving the European Commission were significantly showcased during Brexit, where negotiation roles and execution of policies were under intense scrutiny.
EU Policy Implementation
Case studies analyzing successful and failed policy implementations offer valuable insights into the commissions’ strengths and limitations.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The European Union: How Does It Work?” by Daniel Kenealy
- “The European Commission: Leadership, Organisation, and Culture in the EU Administration” by Michael W. Bauer
- “The Government and Politics of the European Union” by Neill Nugent.
Related Terms with Definitions
- European Union (EU) - A political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe.
- European Council - An EU body that defines the general political direction and priorities.
- European Parliament - The directly elected parliamentary institution of the EU, representing EU citizens.
- Council of the European Union - An EU body where national ministers negotiate and adopt policy.
- Regulation - Legal acts with binding force across the EU, enacted by the Council and the European Parliament based on proposals from the European Commission.
