European Commission
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the union. It operates as a politically independent body that represents and upholds the interests of the EU as a whole, rather than individual member states. The Commission is composed of a college of commissioners, one from each EU member state, including a president and vice-presidents who are appointed for five-year terms. It has the sole right to initiate EU legislation in most policy areas, which it submits to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for approval. The Commission enforces EU law alongside the Court of Justice, monitors member states' compliance with treaties and can take legal action against those that fail to implement EU legislation. It negotiates international trade agreements on behalf of the EU and manages the union's budget and funding programmes. The Commission also has significant regulatory powers, particularly in areas such as competition policy, where it can investigate anti-competitive practices, approve or block mergers and impose fines on companies that breach EU competition rules. In the automotive and manufacturing sectors, the Commission sets standards for emissions, safety and trade, and oversees tariff regimes and trade defence instruments that affect imports from countries including South Africa, China and Morocco. The institution is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, and employs thousands of civil servants across its various directorates-general. The European Commission was established in 1958 following the Treaty of Rome, which created the European Economic Community, and has evolved alongside the EU's expansion and deepening integration.
European Commission Updates
Daily Podcast – June 17, 2026
By: Thabi Shomolekae 17th June 2026 Making headlines: Aucamp replaces Steenhuisen as Agriculture Minister; Labour unions urge workers to shun anti-migrant protests; And, EU supports... →
EU supports Ebola response with €493m in vaccines, treatment and health aid
By: Reuters 17th June 2026 The European Commission said on Wednesday it will fund the response to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa with a €493-million financial aid... →
South Africa’s addressing system is still not in place: a clear vision is needed
9th January 2026 “Turn right after the first big tree; my house is the one with the yellow door.” In parts of South Africa, where settlements have grown without... →
EU to strengthen carbon levy on high-emission imports
By: Reuters 17th December 2025 The European Union will expand its carbon border levy - a fee charged on imports of high-emission goods - to cover car parts and washing machines,... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the 7th African Union-European Union Summit, Angola (25/11/2025)
25th November 2025 The multilateral system is under great pressure. Geopolitical rivalry continues to cause turbulence in the rules-based international order. →
Ramaphosa says US discussing coming to G20 in South Africa, White House denies
By: Reuters 21st November 2025 South Africa's president said on Thursday the US had signalled it might change its mind and participate in the G20 summit in Johannesburg after a... →
Navigating SA's new competition exemptions: A double-edged sword for exporters
12th November 2025 Legal experts warn that domestic approval doesn't shield companies from foreign prosecution South African exporters eyeing relief from the... →
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