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The Commission plays an important role in the policies of the European Union. The Commission has three central tasks:
- It has the right of initiative for preparing suggestions for legal regulations (see glossary)
- It monitors the application of the common laws.
- It designs the framework envisaged through the treaties, implements political decisions and negotiates international agreements.
To perform these tasks it consults the representatives of member states, economic and social life and the European institutions. Decisions are however made by the Council and the Parliament. The Commission is accountable to the Parliament, the European Court of Justice deals with questions under European law. The management of the budget is controlled by the European Court of Auditors.
The political control lies with the 20 members of the Commission (2 each from the big and 1 from the small member states). These commissioners must be confirmed by the Parliament. The most important of the 24 head offices for the social area is the head office employment and social affairs. The head offices research, competition, education and culture, which also includes the field of youth, can also be of significance.
The political representation of interests is especially carried out by statements on the projects and notifications to the Commission. More effective are common positions with allies. In view of the extensive consultation procedure influence through the European Institutions (EP, ESC and CoR) is also useful.
Information on projects can also be clarified through direct contact to the responsible heads of department. It remains to be examined from case to case whether this is not more useful through contacts based in Brussels, who already maintain regular contacts.
The heads of department responsible for civil protection and in parts also for the rescue service work in the Civil Protection and Environmental Accidents Unit of the Head Office Environment of the European Commission.
The heads of department responsible for humanitarian aid overseas work with the Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO).
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SERVICE
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THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU
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EUROPEAN UNION ONLINE
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COUNTRY FEATURES
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