Source: SPECIALIST PRINTING WORLDWIDE : ISSUE 4: 2015
Elaine Campling assesses the commitment to ‘Better Regulation’
The ‘new’ European Commission led by Jean-Claude Juncker, as President, is reporting strengthened commitment to ‘Better Regulation’, in achieving robust policy goals that are fit for purpose. The European Commission plays a pivotal role in proposing legislation for enactment into European Union law by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, and for ensuring that it is applied as intended by member countries.
The current Commission was established late 2014, in a process involving both the European Council and the European Parliament. The President of the European Commission and Commissioners (one for each Member State) are elected to preside for a five year term, which will conclude on 31 October 2019 for this Commission. The Commission is supported by an administrative body of approximately 23,000 European civil servants, split into departments termed Directorates-General and Services.
The ‘College’ of Commissioners has seven Vice-Presidents, each responsible for specific policy areas. The First Vice-President (Frans Timmermans) is responsible for the Better Regulation Agenda, demonstrating commitment to improvement in this area. He is also responsible for upholding the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law in all Commission activities.