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European Commission
The European Commission is more than simply a civil service for the European Union, it is the only body that can propose legislation. It is sometimes seen as the driving force behind European integration but the member states both guide and limit its activity. The commission is made up 27 commissioners - the president and 26 others, each with responsibility for a policy area, such as agriculture or enlargement. A number of directorates general cover similar policy areas. Commissioners are appointed by the member states, and are usually senior politicians. However, their job is to act in the general European interest, not to advance the interests of their own country. RELATED INTERNET LINKS: European Commission The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites