The European Commission (EC) plays a vital role in representing and defending the interests of the European Union (EU). It participates in decision-making by presenting proposals for European laws, ensuring the correct implementation of treaties, and managing common policies and funds.
The governance structure of the European Commission is distinct. It operates under the political guidance of its President, with the College of Commissioners at its helm. This college defines policies and makes decisions, holding political responsibility for the Commission’s actions. Directors-General and Heads of Services implement operations and lead the administrative framework.
The College of Commissioners is made up of 28 members, one from each EU country. Every five years, a new Commission is appointed, following the elections to the European Parliament. Currently, Jean-Claude Juncker serves as the President, who is nominated by the European Council. The Council also appoints other Commissioners in agreement with the President. All appointments need approval from the European Parliament, which can dismiss the Commission if needed. While the Commission’s main seat is in Brussels, it also has offices in Luxembourg and representations across EU countries and various global capitals.
One of the Commission’s key roles is to propose new legislation. The rule-making process in the EU involves various institutions, particularly the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and the European Parliament (EP). There are two legislative tools: Regulations, which apply directly to all EU states, and Directives, which must be integrated into national law. The Commission usually proposes new laws, but it is the Council and Parliament that ultimately pass them. To ensure accuracy, the Commission consults experts through committees and groups.
As the EU’s executive body, the Commission manages the EU budget, although national and local authorities handle most spending. It also enforces European law, acting as the ‘guardian of the Treaties’ alongside the Court of Justice, ensuring that EU law is applied correctly across member states.
On the international front, the Commission represents the EU, allowing member states to present a unified voice in forums like the World Trade Organization. It is responsible for negotiating international agreements on behalf of the EU.
To improve regulation, the Commission has created policies and mechanisms aimed at establishing a clear and high-quality regulatory framework. Key actions include impact assessments, which evaluate the economic, social, and environmental effects of proposed laws, and the collection of expert opinions throughout the policy-making process. The Commission adheres to principles that encourage efficient regulation, seeking alternatives like co-regulation and self-regulation, while ensuring that any EU action is necessary and not overly burdensome.
In civil aviation, the European Commission’s responsibilities fall under the Directorate-General for Transport and the Environment (DG TREN). Within this, several units focus on specific areas: Unit F2 handles the Single European Sky and Air Traffic Control modernization, Unit F3 focuses on Air Safety, and Unit F4 oversees Infrastructures and Airports. Since 1994, directives have primarily been used to regulate accident investigation and safety reporting. The Commission is currently considering new draft regulations for accident investigation.
Since the launch of the Single European Sky initiative, the Commission has covered major aspects of air traffic management. The Single Sky Committee (SSC), consisting of representatives from each EU member state and chaired by a Commission representative, assists in this effort. Many EUROCONTROL Safety Regulatory Requirements (ESARRs) have been incorporated into the Commission’s implementing rules.
In 2002, the European Community established an aviation safety regulatory system, initially focused on airworthiness and later expanding to cover the entire aviation system, including Air Traffic Management/Air Navigation Services (ATM/ANS) and aerodromes. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was created as an independent safety regulatory agency. Regulation (EC) No 1108/2009 extended EASA’s authority to ATM/ANS and airports, enhancing safety regulation within the EU.
The European Commission and EASA cooperate closely, especially in areas where the Commission prepares rulemaking beyond safety. Additionally, a Memorandum of Cooperation signed with EUROCONTROL outlines five cooperation areas, including implementing the Single European Sky and data collection. EUROCONTROL supports the SES implementation and may develop draft rules as mandated by the Commission. Together, they co-founded the SESAR Joint Undertaking to manage technological development for the Single European Sky.
